How to differentiate eye allergy from dry eye

2023-05-12 09:51:24

The symptoms are similar but they are two different conditions: the ocular allergy generated by spring has nothing to do with dry eye, when tears do not produce enough lubrication. It is possible to differentiate them based on several key factors for diagnosis and treatment.

To distinguish ocular allergy from dry eye, parameters such as external conditions, ocular sensation or age, among other aspects, must be considered, according to the Miranza ophthalmology group.

What is eye allergy?

An eye allergy occurs when an allergen comes into contact with the eyes of a person who is sensitive to it.

It is then when an inflammatory process occurs on the surface of the eye that can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis or atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

In general, its symptoms include reddening of the eyes, stinging and intense itching. This is a growing condition due to increased immunogenic susceptibility and today’s increased environmental complexity.

Photo courtesy of Miranza

What about dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is triggered when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears or they are of poor quality and evaporate easily.

Tears play a fundamental role in eye health because they lubricate and protect the eyes, so their scarcity or rapid evaporation leads to a series of symptoms, including itching, redness, sensitivity to light or poor vision. blurred.

According to the Miranza group, close to 30% of the world’s population suffers from dry eye, a chronic disease that requires the patient’s daily involvement in treatment.

Keys to differentiate ocular allergy and dry eye

• External conditions: Dry eye symptoms worsen in very dry or air-conditioned environments. For its part, seasonal allergies are normally accentuated outdoors, since that is where the pollen from plants and trees remains in the air.
• The type of eye discomfort: Ocular allergy is mainly itchy, while dry eye causes burning.
• The relief when you close your eyes: People with eye allergies do not experience a sensation of relief when they are closed, while people with dry eyes do.
• Age. In ocular allergy there is no relationship with age since allergic reactions can occur throughout life. In the case of dry eye, on the other hand, the passing of the years increases the probability of suffering from it due to changes in the distribution and amount of hormones present in the body.
• Symptoms in other parts of the body. In addition to the symptoms that appear in the eye area, eye allergy usually occurs along with sneezing or hives, while if you suffer from dry eye this does not happen and is limited to that area.

Have an allergy with dry eye

Allergic conjunctivitis is another condition that shares origin with ocular allergy.

It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, also caused by exposure to an allergen.

Both eye allergy and conjunctivitis can increase the hypersensitivity of the eyes and aggravate dry eyes, leading to a worsening of dry eye symptoms.

On the other hand, dry eye can act as an aggravating factor for allergic conjunctivitis and ocular allergy, since the tear deficit further exposes the ocular surface to allergens.

different treatments

For the eye allergyIt is usually a seasonal treatment.

• The main treatment is antihistamines oral and antihistamine eye drops, both responsible for reducing the production of histamine, the substance released in the body during an allergic reaction and responsible for triggering symptoms.
• Also used are stabilizing mast cells, which prevent the release of histamine; decongestants and, in more specific cases, corticosteroids.

For him Dry EyeIt is a treatment that requires a daily and chronic routine on the part of the patient and is different depending on the case.

• Hydrate eyes with artificial tears or lubricating ointment every few hours.
• Accomplish visual breaks before the screens.
• Be careful and consistent with the hygiene of the eyelid
• take care of feeding (A diet rich in omega 3 acids, such as oily fish or nuts, is especially beneficial).
• pulsed light or IPL: state-of-the-art technology to improve symptoms such as itching, redness, foreign body sensation, photophobia, the need to blink excessively and even blurred vision and pain, explains Dr. Maite Iradier, specialist at IMO Grupo Miranza Madrid.
• thermal pulsation: consists of the localized application of heat and ‘massage’ on the eyelids.
• Microexfoliación palpebralwhich deeply cleanses the eyelid area.