March is here, and with it are longer days and warmer temperatures. That also means things are starting to bloom, including flowers, trees, and grasses. It’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the scenery, but if you have allergies or dry eyes, sometimes called dry eye syndrome (DES), these factors can make you miserable. Even more challenging is that both issues present similar symptoms, making it hard to tell the difference.
At Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma in Santa Ana, California, Dr. Anand Bhatt and our team regularly treat allergies and DES. Here, we highlight key symptoms of both conditions, explain how to tell them apart, and show how to achieve lasting relief.
When plants begin waking from their winter hibernation, they release pollen, mold spores, and other microscopic components. These tiny particles are released into the air and carried on the wind until they come into contact with your eyes and nose.
If you have allergies, your immune system identifies these harmless substances as invaders and triggers an inflammatory response. This often causes itchy, watery eyes, redness, and puffy eyelids. If these symptoms occur alongside sneezing or a runny nose, they’re likely related to allergies.
Dry eye or dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears they do produce don’t provide adequate lubrication. This is most often due to genetics, but lifestyle habits, such as staring at electronic screens or smoking, can also contribute.
People with dry eye often experience burning or stinging sensations, especially when blinking. It may also feel like something is stuck under your eyelid, like a piece of sand. If these symptoms occur on their own, without causing a runny nose or cough, dry eye is likely the culprit.
Because the symptoms of dry eye and seasonal allergies often overlap, it helps to have some general reference points to fall back on. Here’s a breakdown:
Allergy symptoms typically arise suddenly and are most common during the spring and fall when plants are blooming or releasing pollen. In most cases, they affect both the eyes and the upper respiratory system, including the nose and throat.
Dry eye symptoms only affect the eyes, and they’re typically ongoing. Instead of resolving after a few weeks, they tend to persist, and in some cases, worsen. If your symptoms are especially noticeable after long hours of working at a computer or watching videos, it’s more likely dry eye.
Even with these distinctions, everyone’s symptoms vary. A comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the cause once and for all, and help you determine the best treatment.
Regardless of whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or dry eye, help is available. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
Many people benefit from several treatments. We monitor your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed.
If you’re struggling with dry, itchy, red, or watery eyes, we can help identify the cause and prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at 714-541-4185 or using the online booking feature.
