Everyone’s done it. You wake up with dry, red, itchy eyes and throw on your favorite pair of sunglasses to hide the damage. But, instead of covering your dry eyes and hoping they go away, treat yourself to a little eye education, so that you can identify the exact cause of the discomfort. Itchiness, redness, and swelling can be discouraging symptoms, especially if you’re unsure about the cause. The optometrists at Eye Wares are well familiar with the most common eye-related problems and hope the following information guides you as you take the first steps towards well-deserved eye relief!
Two Most Common Eye Related Problems: Dry Eye and Ocular Allergies
Two of the most commonly experienced eye issues (besides vision degeneration) are dry eyes and ocular allergies. While these two eye conditions share many of the same symptoms, they are distinctly unique ailments and require different treatments.
What is Dry Eye?
Contrary to the imagery the words ‘dry eye’ evokes, the condition is not exactly a result of your eyes withering up. Instead, the condition has everything to do with your tears. Tears are made up of three components: Mucin, Water, and Lipids. Dry eye occurs after the production of too much water/mucin or too few lipids. Primarily, dry eye is caused by a lack of lipids because their role is to prevent tears from evaporating or spilling over.
Symptoms of Dry Eye: Eye Discomfort, Dryness, Redness, Sensitivity to Light, Feeling of Something in Eye
Ocular Allergies: What are Ocular Allergies?
Ocular allergies are caused by external factors rather than internal eye dysfunction. Symptoms appear when your eye has a sensitivity to a foreign substance. The reaction occurs when the substance, or ‘allergen,’ irritates your mast cells. These cells contain histamine, which is the substance that causes allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of Ocular Allergies: Itching, Redness, Swelling, Teary or Runny Eyes, Swollen Eyelids, Soreness, Burning, or Sensitivity to Light
Common Ocular Allergy Allergens: Dust, Dust Mites, Cat Dander, Pollen, Makeup, Perfume
Treatment for Dry Eye and Ocular Allergies
Seeking relief for your dry, itchy, or swollen eyes? Your local Metairie or Mandeville Optometrist has the treatment options for you! Because these two conditions have different causes, it stands to reason their treatment plans are very different! That’s why it’s essential to confirm the exact cause of your eye discomfort before self-treatment.
Treating the Meibomian Glands: Treatment for Dry Eye
Dry Eye treatment includes addressing the meibomian glands and relieving the discomfort using tear lubricants. Your meibomian glands are the tiny oil glands lining the margins of your eyelids. They produce essential oil secretion that prevents tears from evaporating. Your optometrist can help you determine whether your dry eye condition is temporary or chronic and develop the best treatment plans for your needs.
Preventing Histamines with Treatment for Ocular Allergies
Because ocular allergy symptoms are caused by the release of itchy histamines, it stands to reason that the treatment for ocular allergies is often the prescription of antihistamines. Treatment options also include artificial lubricants and cool compresses. Your Metairie or Mandeville optometrist will also recommend avoiding the allergens when possible.
Over the Counter vs. Prescription Eye Condition Treatment Options
There are plenty over the counter options that are advertised to treat symptoms of both dry eye and ocular allergies. However, the cost of these products often exceeds the cost of professional treatment because of the possibility of misdiagnosis and short-term relief! An experienced eye doctor can evaluate your condition and develop a tailored prognosis to help relieve your symptoms and give you long-term relief.
Schedule Your Mandeville or Metairie Eye Doctor Appointment Online!
Do you suffer from dry eye or ocular allergies? Maybe it’s just time for your annual eye exam! For all of your eye health, vision, and eyewear needs, visit Eye Wares in Metairie and Mandeville! Schedule your appointment online, in person, or over the phone.
