Every spring, allergy sufferers reach for eye drops and medications to soothe their eyes. However, the results of a recent study show that people with dry eye may also be most vulnerable during the height of allergy season.
How Dry Eye Affects your Eye Health
Dry eye is one of the most common eye afflictions in the world. When the tear ducts in the eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears, or the tears dissipate too quickly because of their consistency, then it typically leads to dry eye and several associated symptoms. Some of the symptoms you may experience if you suffer from dry eye include redness of the eyes, burning, itching, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Ophthalmologists are able to measure the activity of the tear ducts in order to properly diagnose dry eye. They can then recommend one of a number of different types of treatment depending on the cause of dry eye. Since the treatment is extremely personalized, you should see a medical professional who will give you a thorough examination before beginning a treatment for dry eye.
Seasonal Allergies and Eye Health
There are also millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies every year, and many of them feel like they know exactly what it’s like to have dry eye. That’s because the symptoms that stem from the two conditions can be remarkably similar in many cases.
Seasonal allergies are most often caused by pollen from the buds of flowering plants, which is why spring is the prime season for them to appear. In addition to dealing with annoyances such as congestion, sneezing, and headaches, many seasonal allergy sufferers also have itchy, red eyes.
The Link Between Dry Eye and Allergies
People with seasonal allergies are used to bracing themselves for the coming of spring, but it turns out that those with dry eye may be more at risk for symptoms during the blooming season as well. The results of a study found that yearly pollen counts and dry eye diagnosis both reached their peak in April. According to researchers, these findings will help doctors and patients treat and prepare for dry eye symptoms depending upon the season.
Protecting your Eyes from Dry Eye and Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergy sufferers should take caution to mitigate symptoms, especially during the spring. Staying inside on windy days, changing your air filter, and wearing protective goggles when doing yard work are all common ways to limit the amount of pollen you are exposed to.
Dry eye sufferers can also take these steps to help stop symptoms from worsening, but a proper dry eye diagnosis and treatment is necessary for long-term relief. Florida Eye Specialists is home to a state-of-the-art dry eye center located in San Marco. If you think you may have dry eye and would like to learn more about the treatment options, schedule a consultation with one of our dry eye specialists today.