Understanding Conjunctivitis, Dry Eye, and Allergies

Are your eyes red, itchy, or watery? If so, you may have conjunctivitis, dry eye, or allergies. These are common eye conditions that can affect your vision and comfort. Investigating these disorders' characteristics, root causes, and available treatments would be beneficial.

What Is Conjunctivitis?

Inflammation of the conjunctiva results in conjunctivitis. Potential causes of conjunctivitis include infections, allergies, and irritants. Conjunctivitis can have various symptoms and treatments depending on the underlying cause.

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Bacteria or viruses can infect your eye and cause this type of conjunctivitis. The infection may transfer from one individual to another or from one eye to another. It can make your eyes red, discharge fluid, crust over your eyelids, and make you sensitive to light. You may need antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral infections.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger an allergic reaction in your eyes and cause this type of conjunctivitis. It typically affects both eyes simultaneously but is not contagious. It can make your eyes red, itchy, watery, and swollen. You may need antihistamine eye drops or oral medications to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms.

Irritant Conjunctivitis

Chemicals or foreign objects can irritate your eye and cause this type of conjunctivitis. It is not contagious and usually affects only one eye at a time. It can make your eye red, burning, tearing, and feeling like something is in it. To get rid of the irritation, rinse your eye with water or saline solution.

What Is Dry Eye?

When you have dry eyes, your eyes either do not produce adequate tears or the tears they do produce evaporate too rapidly. Tears are essential for lubricating and protecting your eyes from infection and injury. Dry eye can have various causes, such as aging, medications, and environmental or medical conditions. Dry eye can cause symptoms such as:

• Dryness

• Burning

• Gritty feeling

• Blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Tired eyes

Warm compresses, lubricating ointments, and artificial tears are all possible treatments for dry eye. Eyelid hygiene, omega-3 supplements, and prescription medications can also help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are abnormal immune responses to harmless substances that your body perceives as threats. Allergens include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, food, and medications. Your body releases histamines when exposed to an allergen, resulting in allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Itchy throat

• Coughing

• Hives

• Swelling

Antihistamines and other drugs can help treat these symptoms. Allergy shots or immunotherapy can also desensitize your immune system. You can also avoid the allergen altogether.

How to Tell the Difference Between Conjunctivitis, Dry Eye, and Allergies

Conjunctivitis, dry eye, and allergies can have similar symptoms in your eyes, such as redness, itching, and watering. They also differ from one another in several ways.

One or both eyes may have discharge or crusty eyelids when conjunctivitis affects them. Dry eye can cause blurry vision or a gritty feeling in both eyes. Allergies can make both eyes swell or develop dark circles.

Seeing an eye doctor is the best approach to getting a diagnosis. To ascertain what is wrong and how to cure it, they will examine your eyes and conduct tests.

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis, dry eye, and allergies are common eye conditions affecting your vision and comfort. They can have similar symptoms but have different causes and treatments. Do you suspect you have one of these conditions? If so, see an eye doctor today to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more eye care tips, visit Norwood Family Eye Care at our Bartlett, Tennessee office. Call 901-617-8095 to schedule an appointment today.