Dry and itchy eyes can leave you uncomfortable all day long. You may be looking for relief, but it can be challenging to pinpoint the cause of this irritation. Do you have allergies or dry eye? In addition to seeing your eye doctor for diagnosis, consider the basic information in this guide.

What Patients Should Know About Allergies vs. Dry Eyes

How Do Allergies Dry Out Your Eyes?

When you visit your eye doctor with dry and scratchy eyes, they might diagnose you with allergies. Environmental irritants like pollen, animal dander, and dust can make your eyes itch. This is because the cells in your eyes are releasing histamine in response to the allergen. In most cases, an over-the-counter antihistamine can help you feel more comfortable. The doctor may also recommend that you use eye drops.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Your eye doctor may rule out allergies and diagnose you with dry eye. This means that your eyes are not producing enough tears to maintain proper moisture levels. You may also have poor tear quality. Unlike those with allergies, patients with dry eye often experience a burning sensation and excess tears in addition to itching. You may also feel like there is something gritty in your eye. In some cases, dry eye can impair vision or cause blurriness.

This condition is more common in older individuals and anyone who has undergone a procedure like LASIK. Dry eye can also be caused by various medical conditions and medications. During your appointment, the eye doctor will go over your health history to pinpoint the cause. They will then prescribe medication such as eye drops or a steroid to control inflammation.

If you are experiencing dry, itchy eyes, the professionals at The Whitefish Eye Center can provide thorough diagnosis and treatment. With over 40 years of experience in Whitefish, MT, these eye doctors and staff offer comprehensive eye exams, laser surgery, and treatment for eye diseases. They can also help you pick out a pair of glasses that fits your style and budget. To learn more about their office, visit them online. You can also call (406) 862-2020 to make an appointment today.