Seasonal Allergies and Dry Eyes

Here, at Reeve Woods Eye Center, we know that a change in season can bring itchy, irritated eyes. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, dry eyes, and other conditions that affect your vision and eyes we can help!
 

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, may cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other cold-like symptoms. For those affected, these symptoms often occur at the same time each year.

The culprits for seasonal allergies are tiny pollen grains that irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. A wide variety of trees, weeds, and grass pollen can cause seasonal allergies. For those with pollen allergies, the body’s immune system mistakenly interprets pollen as an invader. The symptoms of hay fever are the body’s response to an apparent intruder.

About eight percent of the U.S. population is affected by seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis can cause or be mistaken for dry eyes, but the distinctive difference is the intense itchiness.
 

Dry Eyes 

Dry eye disease is a similar condition to seasonal allergies but has entirely different causes. It can manifest if people do not produce enough tears or quality tears in their eyes. Also, it can be caused by a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. In either case, the eyes tend to dry out. As tears cease to be produced, the eyes become chronically irritated.
 

The Role of Tears

The science behind tears is fascinating yet straightforward. Tears are necessary for the health and functioning of your eyes. They are composed of water, fats, sugar, and protein, and flow from the eye's tear ducts when required. The fluid that typically coats the surface of healthy eyes is termed “Basal tears”. Tears cleanse the outer surface of your eyes and shield them from irritants such as pollen.
 

Eye Care in Chico, CA

If seasonal allergies or dry eyes are affecting you, our eye doctors at Reeve-Woods Eye Center of Chico, CA, can help. Call us today at (530) 899-2244 to schedule an appointment.