Eye irritation is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Sometimes, you try different remedies, and though some may work for a while, others may not. The problem may not be the remedies you are using. It may be the underlying cause of the irritation.

When treating eye irritation, you must know whether it stems from dry eyes or allergies. The two are similar in their symptoms but different in their underlying causes. Here are a few facts to help you know the difference.

What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes develop when there is a reduction in the quantity or the quality of tears. Low-quality tears may lead to a low amount of tears. The reason is the water component evaporates faster. However, the eyes may also produce a low amount of tears.

Tears are crucial for your eye health and visual clarity. They wash away debris and dust. They protect the eyes from bacteria and germs that cause infections.

What Are Allergies?

Sometimes, you may be treating your eye irritation with antihistamines, but it doesn’t alleviate your symptoms. In these cases, the likelihood is that you are suffering from dry eyes. Allergies are the body’s reaction to allergens like pollen and mold. It produces histamines, chemicals your immune system makes to remove allergens.

The histamines hustle the allergens out of your body by making you itch, sneeze, or tear up. They intend to keep you safe, but overreaction may cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Differentiating Between the Two

The main difference between allergens and dry eyes is the intense itching. Itching may occur when you have dry eyes. However, it is more intense when you have allergies. You can also look for other signs to make sure. Some symptoms to look out for are watery eyes and a running nose. Other symptoms may be the same.

Treatment

Now that you can differentiate between the two, it seems reasonable that the treatment must be different. Keep in mind that the determining factor is the underlying cause.

Dry Eyes

Sometimes, the underlying cause of dry eyes is an existing medical condition, medication, or habits. When you deal with these issues, you can deal with your dry eyes. You may need to visit a doctor for a diagnosis. They will tell you the cause of your dry eyes.

You will have to drop your bad habits if they are the cause. These include smoking, excessive use of digital devices, and not drinking enough fluids. Deal with the underlying causes and you will alleviate dry eyes.

Allergies

The ideal way to get rid of allergies is to prevent exposure to allergens. You can do this by avoiding them. You can take oral antihistamines to prevent your body from overreacting. Consider using eye drops if you need instant relief. They also help rinse the allergens out of your eyes. Sometimes, a warm or cold compress over your eyes and nose may bring you relief from symptoms.

For more information on dry eye and allergies or to schedule an appointment, call Alpha Eye Group at our offices in Pennsylvania. For Philadelphia call (215) 878-7181 or (215) 698-7760, Wyomissing call (610) 376-7272, Bethlehem Twp call (610) 866-1000, or for Doylestown call (215) 230-4060.