With spring around the corner, seasonal allergies will be as well. Allergies can cause dry eyes, intense itchiness, and red, watery eyes.
Allergies aren’t the only cause of dry eye syndrome.
Digital eye strain, aging, hormonal changes, and certain medications can also play a role. But for those who suffer from allergies, the symptoms can be particularly uncomfortable and disrupt daily life. So, a complete eye exam is needed to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide you with effective relief.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye syndrome refers to a disruption in the eye’s tear film.
There are 3 layers of the tear film:
- The mucin layer (inner)
- The aqueous layer (middle)
- The lipid layer (outer)
These layers work together with blinking to hydrate, nourish, and protect the eye’s surface.
When one of these layers isn’t functioning well, you can develop dry eye syndrome.
How Do Allergies Cause Dry Eye?
It isn’t uncommon for allergy sufferers to have other conditions that can lead to dry eye symptoms. However, intense itching is not generally common with other causes of dry eyes. So, if your eyes are very itchy, allergies are likely to blame.
When your eyes are itchy, there is often an intense urge to rub your eyes. Rubbing creates friction between the surface of the eye and the eyelid and can disrupt the tear film. It can also introduce bacteria or force debris deeper into your eyes, which can lead to irritation and infections.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye has many causes, each needing a unique solution.
Allergies
Allergies occur when you’re exposed to an irritant, and your body’s immune response releases histamines. Histamines seek out the offending irritant to remove it from your body, often causing sneezing, hives, and dry, itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy symptoms generally come on quickly and can lead to allergic conjunctivitis. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, smoke, and mold. Food and insect allergies are not commonly associated with eye-related symptoms and are more likely to cause severe anaphylaxis, a medical emergency.
Allergies can lead to prolonged dry eye syndrome as they can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. If you have an allergy to pet dander and are regularly exposed to that allergen, you could develop chronic dry eyes. Allergy symptoms can be managed with antihistamines and artificial tears for quick relief, but avoiding or limiting exposure to allergens is recommended to avoid discomfort.
Digital Eye Strain
Exposure to digital screens is a daily occurrence, especially now. These digital devices can cause eye strain and common symptoms like:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
Discomfort from digital eye strain can last from a couple of hours to a couple of days, but it generally resolves on its own after stopping the activity that caused it. Following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent eye strain symptoms.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common eye condition that causes inflammation, redness, and scaly, dandruff-like dry patches on the eyelids.
These dry patches can cause itchiness and the urge to rub the eye, leading to dry eyes, irritation, and infection.
Blepharitis treatment typically involves preventive measures to reduce irritation, like avoiding eye makeup and discontinuing contact lens use while healing. A lid cleanser may also be recommended. Blepharitis typically heals quickly but can recur. A thorough eye exam is needed to diagnose and treat blepharitis.
Medical Conditions
Specific medical conditions can affect the eyes and cause dry eye syndrome, including:
- Autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and lupus
- Chronic inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis
- Thyroid disorders and vitamin deficiencies
If your dry eyes stem from another medical condition, addressing that condition is key. Your optometrist can relieve dry eye symptoms while you work with your primary care doctor to treat the underlying cause. This 2-pronged approach can help reduce the severity of your dry eye discomfort.
Medications
Certain medications can cause ocular side effects, like dry eyes.
Acne medications, beta-blockers, GI medicines, and even antihistamines are all common perpetrators of causing dry eyes. If your medication is causing dry eye symptoms, they will likely be short-lived and can be soothed with eye drops.
It can be frustrating when a necessary medication causes eye discomfort, especially if the medication you take is to treat allergy-related dry eyes. Your optometrist can help treat dry eyes from medication-related side effects. If the side effects are hard to manage, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Find Relief for Dry Eye in Loveland
Dry eyes can be managed with medicated eye drops, heat masks, punctal plugs, or serum tears. Allergy-related dry eyes can also be soothed with antihistamine eye drops or even contact lenses. We can help you find effective relief at 2020 Eyecare Ohio.
Sometimes, dry eye syndrome requires some more specialized treatment for lasting relief. Our team can assess the underlying cause of your discomfort and provide you with a treatment plan. Please schedule a visit with us today for more information.
