How Can You Tell Dry Eye from an Eye Allergy?

Here in Sonoma County, a lot of people get dry eye or eye allergies. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

With either condition, your eyes may be red and irritated. But here are a few ways to tell them apart:

• Is your nose running too? That’s usually a sign of an allergy (or cold).
• Do your eyes itch and/or do you have hives? Probably an allergy.
• Do your eyes feel scratchy and gritty? Do they burn? Probably dry eye.
• Are you eyes a kind of milky red color? Allergy.
• Are your eyes bright red? Do your eyelids stick when you wake up in the morning? Is your vision blurry? That’s probably a viral or bacterial infection, like conjunctivitis (also known as “pink eye”—very common in kids).

Need some help? Come on in and we’ll make your eyes comfortable again.

Or read about how to prevent and treat dry eye here, and how to treat eye allergies here.