When you visit an optometrist in Yakima to check on the health of your eyes, you may have concerns about dry eyes or eye allergies. Our Optometrist at Yakima Vision Center evaluates your situation and compares the symptoms to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort.
What are Dry Eyes in Yakima?
Dry eyes in Yakima refer to a condition related to the moisture in your eyes. The symptoms include:
- Stinging or burning in your eyes
- Red eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Watery eyes
Dry eye symptoms are similar to allergies, so you may confuse the two conditions. Generally, a dry eye doctor evaluates the situation carefully and discusses the underlying situation to determine when you may have allergies with similar symptoms.
What are Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies occur when you have an allergic reaction to something in your environment. A common allergy during the spring is plant pollen or dust, but it may stem from other allergens in different situations.
The symptoms of allergies include:
- Itching eyes
- Redness in your eyes
- Burning eyes
- A watery discharge
By understanding the differences between the two conditions, you may improve your ability to treat the underlying causes of the condition. An optometrist in Yakima helps you determine when you need treatment for dry eyes or eye allergies after evaluating your situation.
What Are the Differences Between Eye Conditions?
The primary difference between dry eyes and eye allergies are the causes of your symptoms. Allergies stem from exposure to an allergen, such as pollen, pet dander or dust. It has a clear cause and does not relate to the tears in your eyes. Rather, your body reacts to the allergen. You may notice additional allergic reactions, like sneezing or coughing, as well as the redness in your eyes. When your eyes are dry, it may stem from problems with the production of tears, dry weather conditions or similar causes and does not cause additional allergic reactions.