Do you suffer from dry eye or allergies? The symptoms that characterize each condition are similar. Both can cause redness, irritation, itching, burning, and dryness. Both cause eye fatigue and both can cause headaches. Some sufferers experience both conditions simultaneously, while others experience only one or the other. Still, others experience more than one condition.
Dry eye and allergies are two conditions that can both cause irritation and discomfort, making them very closely related. You can minimize the frequency of dry eye symptoms by avoiding allergens that cause eye irritation. However, both conditions require specialized treatment that may differ in approach.
What are the similarities between dry eyes and allergies?
Do you get red, watery, and itchy eyes? Do your eyes feel scratchy and burn? Do you frequently wake up with a sticky, thick coating on your eyes? Are you allergic to smoke, dust, pollen, or pets?
Dry eye syndrome and allergies have a few similarities but also some differences. The similarities between dry eye syndrome and allergies include that they are both caused by inflammation that occurs when your eyes become dry. Like allergies, dry eye syndrome can also cause your eyelids to become crusty or itchy.
Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable, but they can also cause temporary vision loss, like glare or halos. Like allergies, dry eyes can be brought on by a reaction to something in the environment, such as pollen or dust. People with dry eyes often have allergies as well.
A common misconception is that dry eyes and allergies are two separate conditions. They share some symptoms: itchy, red, watery eyes, intolerance to sunlight, and headaches. But both conditions are related and feel both uncomfortable and annoying.
What are the differences between dry eyes and allergies?
Dry eyes and allergies, while closely related, are two separate problems. Dry eyes are a moisture deficiency affecting those suffering from chronic eye dryness. (Allergies do not cause this condition.) On the other hand, allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system. (This condition is not caused by dryness.) Dry eyes and allergies share certain symptoms and treatments, but the underlying causes are different.
Dry eye (or ocular surface disease), which affects up to 20 million people in the U.S., is characterized by a lack of lubrication in the eyes. Dry eye can be due to a variety of causes, including age, thinning of the tear film, inflammation, or irritation by contact lenses or medications. On the other hand, allergies are an inflammatory response to substances such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, resulting in itchy, watery eyes, red eyes, and sneezing. While these both can cause discomfort, symptoms, and blurriness, they differ in their cause and treatment.
Natural treatments for dry eyes
A warm, wet clean cloth.
Dry eyes occur for many reasons and can be caused by a variety of factors, from age to medications. In severe cases, dry eyes can lead to permanent vision loss. Fortunately, natural treatments can help improve the condition, including a warm, wet washcloth.
While eye drops and lubricants may help soften or soothe your dry eye symptoms, natural treatments like warm, wet washcloths can be just as effective for soothing your eyes. Some doctors and eye specialists also suggest cold compresses; however, many reports that cold compresses cause more irritation than relief.
Using humidifier
Dry eye syndrome is a medical condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears produced aren’t of good quality. This condition commonly affects people as they age, and people with many risk factors such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are at a higher risk. Although there are treatment options, such as artificial tears, many people find that the use of a humidifier at night helps, as well as regular eyelid massage.
Our eyes lose water throughout the day, so a humidifier can help replenish the water. It’s also a good idea to adjust your thermostat since a higher temperature can cause dry eyes.
Natural treatments for eyes allergies
Using tea bags
Natural cures for eye allergies include using tea bags to soothe your eyes and reduce inflammation. Soak one to two tea bags in warm water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and apply them to your eyes for five to ten minutes. Repeat as needed.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is good for the eyes also. The anti-inflammatory properties of vinegar help in reducing inflammation in your eyes. It helps in flushing out your sinuses and also helps in flushing out mucus. You should do it in the morning, empty stomach or before an empty breakfast stomach. You can check out dry eye clinical trials at Power if you’re looking for additional treatment options for dry eyes and eye allergies.