Do your eyes feel itchy, dry, and uncomfortable? Are you experiencing redness or blurry vision? It could be allergies or a chronic condition, like dry eye syndrome. Knowing the reason for those scratchy, sensitive, blurry eyes is important so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment and finally find some relief!

Let’s explore the key differences between dry and allergy eyes. This will give you the information you need to find help for your symptoms.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a common but often misunderstood ocular (eye or vision) disorder. It occurs when the eye’s tear glands cannot produce enough tears to sufficiently lubricate the eyes. This causes continuous dryness and discomfort. Various factors, such as aging, medical conditions, allergies, certain medications, or environmental factors like wind or smoke, cause dry eye syndrome.

An eye doctor can prescribe specific medicines and dry eyes treatments. These include artificial tears, eye drops, punctal plugs, and other therapies.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Having dry eyes can be uncomfortable and even painful! Symptoms may include:

  • Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
  • Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive tearing
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Dry Eye Diagnosis

There are several tests that your eye doctor or optometrist can perform to diagnose dry eyes. These include:

  • A comprehensive eye exam: An optometrist can examine your eyes for signs of dryness. The comprehensive exam may include measurement of your eye’s tear production and concentration.
  • Schirmer test: The Schirmer test evaluates how many tears the eye produces. Your doctor places a small piece of filter paper under the lower eyelid. The amount of liquid, called tear film, it absorbs is measured after five minutes.
  • Tear osmolarity testing: This test measures how concentrated your tears are. A higher concentration (or osmolarity) means that the eye doesn’t have enough tears to lubricate the surface of the eye.

Other tests include special dyes to evaluate the eye’s surface and see if the eye is producing enough tears.

Dry Eyes Treatment

Your treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Your optometrist, allergist, or general practice doctor (GP) may recommend any of the following dry eye treatments:

  • Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears are commonly used to treat dry eyes. These can provide temporary relief, but if you have chronic dry eyes, you may need a preservative-free lubricant.
  • Eye drops: Prescription eye drops can help increase tear production and improve lubrication.
  • Punctal occlusion: A duct in the eye called the punctum drains away tears. During a procedure called punctal occlusion, tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to limit how quickly tears drain from the eyes. Punctal plugs can be either temporary or permanent depending on your condition.
  • Therapies: There are some therapies that can be used to help improve dry eye symptoms. These include omega-3 fatty acid supplements, lid hygiene, and warm compresses. Several centers become specialized in more available advanced methods that use state-of-the-art technology and devices.
  • Morpheus 8 Radiofrequency: The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, produce an oily substance that helps lubricate the eye. When they are blocked or dysfunctional, the eye can become dry, irritated, or inflamed. Morpheus8 radiofrequency treatment option delivers highly targeted radiofrequency that use tiny needles at the meibomian glands to melt blockages and restore their function, while also rejuvenating skin cells around the eyes, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Intense Pulsed-Light Therapy: Intense pulsed-light therapy often known for its use in cosmetic procedures, has been repurposed and FDA-approved to treat dry eye.  The therapy targets intense pulses of light at the meibomian glands to improve tear production and restore function of the glands.

If you’re dealing with dry eyes, don’t settle for temporary relief from basic prescription drops — come to Eye Wares. All three of our convenient optometry practice locations provide superior dry eye treatment options, including Morpheus8 radiofrequency and intense-pulsed light therapy, in our full-service Dry Eye Treatment Center.  Visit us today so an expert eye doctor can diagnose your condition and create the best action plan!

What Are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies, also known as ocular or allergic conjunctivitis, are relatively common and affect a large percentage of the population. Usually, a seasonal allergen like pollen and mold is the primary cause of eye allergies. However, environmental factors like dust mites, smoke, and pet dander can also contribute to the symptoms.

Since the eyes are exposed and vulnerable to these allergens, they become irritated and inflamed when in contact with them. This causes the signature redness, itching, burning, and tearing of eye allergies.

Allergy Eye Symptoms

The symptoms of allergies are similar to those of dry eyes. But people with dry eyes usually find their symptoms are more intense than dry eye symptoms. Symptoms include:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Redness
  • Watery discharge from the eye
  • Under-eye circles

Allergy Eye Diagnosis

Diagnosing an eye allergy can be a challenge, but taking the time to ensure the proper diagnosis is worth the effort. Understanding what you are dealing with is essential for gaining relief from the associated symptoms of eye allergies.

Your primary care provider can help you determine if your eyes are itchy, dry, and watery because of allergies or if you have actual vision problems. Diagnostic tools such as skin and blood tests may be necessary to determine what type of eye allergy you have. Other tests will help decide the best way to manage your discomfort.

Doctors also test to see if a specific type of white blood cell is present in eye areas affected by allergies. During this procedure, to get a sample of cells, doctors carefully scrape the inner lining of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva. They send the sample to a laboratory where it is prepared and observed under a microscope.

Allergy Eye Treatment

Allergies are never any fun, and eye allergies can be incredibly bothersome. Whether you’re dealing with swollen eyes, itchiness, or redness, these symptoms can make it difficult to enjoy the day. Fortunately, it’s possible to find relief from eye allergies.

Below are some treatments for eye allergies that your optometrist or GP may recommend:

  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help reduce inflammation and eye irritation caused by allergens. When taken by mouth, they can provide relief from the symptoms of eye allergies.
  • Tear substitutes: Eye drops and artificial tears can help reduce the discomfort of dry eyes caused by allergies. They work by temporarily lubricating the eyes and providing relief.
  • Allergy shots: Sometimes, when allergies are particularly severe, allergy shots may be prescribed. These involve introducing small doses of the allergen into your body over time. This helps your body slowly begin to tolerate the allergen over time and reduce symptoms.

The Difference Between Dry Eyes and Allergy Eyes

Dry eyes and allergy eyes, while often related and confused with each other, are two unique conditions. Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears to provide enough lubrication.

Meanwhile, an overreaction of the immune system occurs. The eye allergies are caused by airborne allergens, such as pollen and pet dander that can stimulate histamines of ocular cells.

Medical professionals sometimes use the season to determine if the cause of eye irritation is dryness or allergies. If it’s allergy season, such as spring, then diagnosis for eye irritation may be to exclude the allergic reaction.

Chart reviews are also helpful in diagnosing allergies when the symptoms are unclear. Allergy tests may also be conducted to determine if the individual has an allergy, and, if so, to identify what type.

The most apparent difference between dry eyes and allergic eyes is the itching. Intense itching is most often associated with allergies, while dry eyes tend to be more of an irritation or burning sensation.

The Importance of Being Examined by an Optometrist

If you think your eyes may be affected by allergies or dry eye syndrome, visiting the optometrist is a good idea. An optometrist can provide an in-depth review of your vision and eye health. With this information, your eye doctor can help determine the best path forward for treatment.

Plus, optometrists are also experienced in preventive approaches to managing your condition. This includes strategies like avoiding exposure to allergens or wearing sunglasses in situations where airborne particles may be a factor.

Working with a trustworthy optometrist is the key to cultivating an informed and self-aware approach to staying on top of your allergy issues.

Maintain Your Ocular Health With Eye Wares

Eye Wares has a Dry Eye Center for the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye conditions.  The Center features methods and technology including punctal occlusion, LipiFlow, and Morpheus8 Radiofrequency (RF), and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments that target dry eye at its source. Our Dry Eye Treatment Specialists will determine what therapy is right for your dry eyes.

Eye Wares optometrists and vision experts can help you understand your eye health issues and provide a plan to keep them under control.  Our team is committed to helping you maintain your eye health and provide for your eye care needs from any of our three convenient locations in Uptown New Orleans, Metairie, and Mandeville and an online store.

We accept insurance plans and have Saturday appointments available. Plus, we make it easy to book your eye exam online! Make sure you care for your vision today — see us at Eye Wares.