Dry Eye and Allergies

Dry Eye and Allergy Treatments Available

At Eye Care Associates Inc., we understand how dry eyes and allergies can impact your daily life. That's why we offer comprehensive care and innovative treatments for these common ocular conditions at our locations serving Austintown, Youngstown, Howland, Poland, and East Liverpool, OH. Whether you're experiencing dryness, itching, redness, or irritation, our experienced eye care professionals are here to help you find relief and restore comfort to your eyes.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to symptoms such as:

  1. Dryness
  2. Irritation
  3. Redness
  4. Grittiness or feeling of foreign body
  5. Blurred vision
  6. Excessive tearing (as a reflex to dryness)

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including:

  1. Aging: As we age, the production of tears naturally decreases, leading to an increased risk of dry eye symptoms.
  2. Environmental Factors: Dry indoor air, air conditioning, heating, and windy conditions can all contribute to evaporative tear loss and dry eyes.
  3. Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect tear production and quality, leading to dry eyes.
  4. Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy, can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms as a side effect.
  5. Digital Device Use: Prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, can lead to decreased blinking and increased tear evaporation, contributing to dry eyes.

Causes of Allergies

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, known as allergens, leading to symptoms such as:

  1. Itching
  2. Redness
  3. Watery eyes
  4. Swelling
  5. Sneezing
  6. Nasal congestion

Common allergens that can trigger eye allergies include:

  1. Pollen: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger allergic reactions, particularly during pollen seasons.
  2. Pet Dander: Proteins found in pet dander, saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
  3. Dust Mites: Microscopic insects found in household dust can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled or come into contact with the eyes.
  4. Mold: Mold spores found in damp and humid environments, such as bathrooms and basements, can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled or come into contact with the eyes.
  5. Airborne Irritants: Other airborne irritants, such as smoke, pollution, and strong odors, can exacerbate allergic reactions and irritate the eyes.

Experience Relief With Comprehensive Eye Care

Suppose you're experiencing symptoms of dry eyes or allergies. In that case, call us at (330) 746-7691 to schedule an appointment at Eye Care Associates Inc. Our compassionate team of eye care professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized treatments to relieve and improve your ocular health. Trust your eyes to the experts dedicated to helping you see and feel your best.

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