Q. I’m not sure if I have allergies or dry eye, how do I tell the difference?

A. We all love springtime, but with the warmer weather also comes an increase in pollen and other allergens.

Most of us have experienced scratchiness, redness, irritation, or a burning sensation in our eyes. Dry eye syndrome and seasonal allergies are very common conditions, and it’s often difficult to discern the difference between them. In addition, you could actually be suffering from both conditions at the same time making the symptoms worse.

If your eyes are itchy and you have other symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, it’s most likely seasonal allergies. On the other hand, a burning sensation is usually found in those suffering from dry eyes.

Common symptoms of dry eye disease may include sensitivity to light, burning sensation, the feeling of a foreign body in the eye, and excess watering.

Dry eye symptoms can worsen over time and may impact your vision, as well as damage the surface of the eye.

At Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region, we can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.