Dry Eye or Allergy

Tears play a fundamental role in the health of our eyes. Salty due to their high sodium content, tears have the function of cleaning, oxygenating and defending the ocular surface from harmful bacteria. But it happens that, at certain times of life, up to 30% of people will not produce the right amount of tears to fulfill all these functions (known as "lacrimodeficiency"), or they will produce the necessary amount, but it will evaporate prematurely. This deficiency in tear quantity is what is commonly known as "dry eye".

Most remarkable differences between both pathologies

Dry eye causes more of a burning and stinging sensation, while allergy is an itching sensation that may or may not be accompanied by sneezing.

The person suffering from dry eye feels some relief when closing his eyes, and his condition worsens during the day, which is not the case with allergy.

Dry eye sufferers should avoid dry or air-conditioned places, as they aggravate the symptoms. In allergy, on the other hand, it is preferable to isolate oneself from the outside environment by keeping the windows closed and the air conditioner running if necessary; the aim is to avoid contact of the allergen with the ocular surface.

Allergy knows no age; it can occur at any stage of life. Dry eye, on the other hand, is related to the passage of time and, due to hormonal factors that influence tear quality, it tends to affect postmenopausal women more.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3sFxjPK