The Link Between Allergies and Dry Eyes: What You Need to Know
As spring blooms in Maryland, so do seasonal allergy symptoms—and your eyes are often the first to notice. Itchy, watery, or irritated eyes are a common complaint this time of year, and for those already dealing with dry eye disease, symptoms can quickly get worse.
At Looking Glass Optical, we understand how frustrating it can be when seasonal allergies impact your vision and comfort. Here’s what you should know about the connection between allergies and dry eyes—and how to find relief that lasts.
Why Your Eyes Feel Dry and Uncomfortable Every Spring
You might expect your eyes to water during allergy season—but many people experience the opposite: dryness, burning, and irritation. This occurs when allergens, such as pollen and ragweed, disrupt the tear film that protects and lubricates the eyes.
Your body perceives these allergens as a threat and triggers an immune response, resulting in inflammation. Inflammation can interfere with tear production, disrupting the delicate balance of your tear film and leaving your eyes feeling dry, gritty, and uncomfortable—especially if you wear contact lenses.
Allergy Medications Can Also Dry Out Your Eyes
Many over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, help relieve nasal and sinus symptoms but can also reduce tear production in the process. The result? You may find yourself reaching for lubricating drops more often.
If you notice your dry eye symptoms are worse when taking allergy meds, it’s worth mentioning it at your next eye exam. We can help you find better solutions that keep your eyes comfortable without compromising your allergy relief.
Are Your Symptoms Seasonal—Or Something More?
It can be challenging to distinguish between allergy-related irritation and chronic dry eye disease. While symptoms can overlap, dry eye disease often persists year-round and may indicate an underlying condition, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
MGD occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or fail to produce sufficient oil. Without that protective oil layer, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to persistent dryness, burning, and fluctuating vision.
Unlike seasonal allergies, dry eye disease can cause:
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Burning or stinging
- Excessive tearing (as your eyes overcompensate)
If your symptoms persist beyond allergy season, we recommend a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to identify the cause and develop a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.
Simple Ways to Find Relief
If your symptoms are mild, there are a few ways to manage allergy-related eye discomfort at home:
- Use warm compresses to soothe inflammation and promote healthy oil flow.
- Take regular breaks from screens to encourage natural blinking and tear production.
- Stay hydrated and use artificial tears as needed to maintain a balanced moisture level.
- Discuss allergy-friendly eye drops or alternative medications with your optometrist.
For Chronic Symptoms, There’s IPL Therapy
For patients experiencing long-term dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy may provide long-lasting relief.
IPL uses light-based technology to reduce inflammation, unclog oil glands, and restore healthy tear production. It’s non-invasive, FDA-approved, and now available right here at Looking Glass Optical.
Let’s Keep Your Eyes Comfortable—All Season Long
Whether your symptoms are tied to pollen or something more persistent, our team is here to help. We’ll work with you to determine the cause of your discomfort and find the best solution—whether that’s a new treatment, updated eye care routine, or advanced options like IPL therapy.
Schedule an appointment with Looking Glass Optical today and get ahead of allergy season—for clearer, more comfortable vision.
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