Dry Eye and Allergies
Dry eye is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.
Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation.
Symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye syndrome include:
- Burning Sensation
- Itchy Eyes
- Aching Sensations
- Heavy Eyes
- Fatigued Eyes
- Sore Eyes
- Dryness Sensation
- Red Eyes
- Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
- Blurred Vision
Another common symptom is something called a foreign body sensation — the feeling that grit or some other object or material is "in" your eye. Odd as it may sound, watery eyes also can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This is because dryness on the eye's surface sometimes will over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism.
Eye Allergies
Eye Allergies Self-Test
Take this quiz to see if you might have eye allergies. Always consult your doctor if you suspect you have an eye condition needing care.
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Do allergies run in your family?
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Do your eyes often itch, particularly during spring pollen season?
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Have you ever been diagnosed with “pink eye” (conjunctivitis)?
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Do you often need antihistamines and/or decongestants to control sneezing, coughing and congestion?
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When pollen is in the air, are your eyes less red and itchy when you stay indoors and run your air conditioner?
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Do your eyes begin tearing when you wear certain cosmetics or lotions, or when you’re around certain strong perfumes?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then you may have eye allergies. Make an appointment with HFO to determine the best course of action.