Dry Eyes or Allergies? How to Spot The Difference

Seasonal Allergies & Dry Eyes

Summer has almost arrived, bringing all the season's pleasures with it. Though these pleasures are not equally shared by everyone, summer signals the start of allergy season for hay fever sufferers. Sneezing, coughing and a runny nose are just a few of the symptoms associated with these pesky airborne allergies. They usually start in the spring, peak in the summer, and can last until autumn. Among the various causes, pollen and grass are the main culprits which trigger the aggravation of seasonal allergies.

Dry, itchy and watery eyes can also be difficult to to deal with. Being a dry eye and allergy sufferer myself, Summer is usually one of the hardest hitting seasons. Early mornings are especially worse making it hard to have a full good night sleep. Taking allergy pills do work temporarily but I still feel tired and days feel longer. On top of my allergies, I still need to bring relief to my dry eyes. it's not easy wearing a heated eye mask when its already 30 degrees celsius outside but still very necessary.

Due to the similarities in symptoms, people frequently confuse seasonal eye allergies with dry eyes. So how do we spot the difference? 

 Dry eyes occur when insufficient tears adequately lubricate the eyes. Unlike seasonal allergies, dry eyes do not have a season and can occur at any time of year. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including the natural aging process, certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, as well as prolonged screen use.

Pollen & Grass Explained

1. Pollen: During the spring and summer seasons, pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a common allergen. Because different plants release pollen at different times, allergy symptoms can vary depending on the plant and the region.
2. Grass: Grass pollen, particularly that of Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass, can cause severe allergic reactions. Mowing the lawn or being near freshly cut grass can also worsen symptoms.

Common Symptoms

1. Itchy eyes: Itchiness is a common symptom of both seasonal and dry eye allergies. It can be caused by allergies causing inflammation and irritation of the eyes or by a lack of sufficient tear production in dry eyes.
2. Redness: Both seasonal eye allergies and dry eyes can cause redness in the eyes. Redness and irritation can occur in dry eyes due to a lack of proper lubrication.
3. Watery eyes: Excessive tearing or watery eyes can be seen in both seasonal eye allergies and dry eyes. This can occur because of the immune system's response to allergens and the irritation they cause. It may be a reflexive response to a lack of adequate tear film to keep the eyes properly lubricated in dry eyes.
4. Eye discomfort or irritation: Both allergies and dry eyes can cause discomfort or irritation in the eyes. This can manifest as a feeling of dryness, grittiness, or a foreign body sensation. 

Differences in Symptoms

1. Allergic conjunctivitis, which is common in seasonal eye allergies, may cause sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itching in the nose or throat. These symptoms are usually absent in dry eyes.
2. Swelling and puffiness of the eyelids are more commonly associated with allergic conjunctivitis, whereas these symptoms are less prominent in dry eyes.
3. Dry eyes can cause blurred vision or fluctuating vision, whereas seasonal eye allergies are less likely to cause this.
4. The timing of symptoms can provide information. Seasonal eye allergies are more common during certain times of the year when specific allergens, such as pollen or grass, are prevalent, whereas dry eyes are a chronic condition.