Is It Allergies or Dry Eye Disease?

Stressed girl suffering from allergy. Young woman covering nose with tissue and moping tears from face. Allergy concept Ocular symptoms tend to increase around this time of year. There could be several reasons for this, including seasonal changes in the environment such as the air getting warmer and pollen counts rising. When symptoms arise, it may be easy to attribute them to these factors. However, for some, the underlying problem may not be what they assume. Here, we discuss the similarities and differences between two common problems, ocular allergies and dry eye disease, so you can get the right help to get your eyes back on track.

Dry Eye

The eyes are not meant to be dry. They rely on a healthy tear film to function well and maintain a nice degree of comfort. Tears look watery, but they are actually a mixture of three different substances. The tear film has water, lipids (oils) and mucin (mucus). The three substances must be present in the right ratios for the ocular surface to stay adequately lubricated. Without sufficient lipids and mucin, the tear film dries out too quickly and symptoms occur. Lipids are produced by the meibomian glands that are situated at the edge of the eyelids. In most cases of dry eye, it is a blockage in these glands that is to blame. However, the symptoms of dry eye, including redness, excessive tearing, a gritty feeling, and a burning sensation, may also relate to a medical condition. A thorough ophthalmic exam of the eyes and meibomian glands can determine if a blockage is to blame.

Allergies

Ocular allergies can cause some of the same symptoms as dry eye disease. However, the one prominent indication that sets allergies apart is itching. Ocular allergies may occur as sensitivity to any number of allergens. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

Treatment for Symptoms of Dry Eye or Allergies

It is important to differentiate between dry eye disease and allergies because treatment will vary based on diagnosis. For allergies, an antihistamine may be recommended to prevent the release of histamine that results in symptoms. Some sufferers also use eye drops and cool compresses to soothe irritation.

Treatment for dry eye disease revolves around unblocking impaired meibomian glands so tear film production resumes. We offer two meibomian gland treatments, LipiFlow and EyeXpress, to comfortably treat this condition.

Get the help you need for dry eye disease in our comfortable Amarillo office. Call (806) 351-1177 to schedule your visit with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Murrell.

Contact Us For All Your Health Related Queries!

Panhandle Eye Group Subspecialists

7411 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106

Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center

7310 Fleming Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106

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We offer earlier morning appointment starting at 7:40am for those who choose to come in at an earlier convince. Our phone hours are as posted.

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Wednesday
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This is the latest IOL for Dr. Murrell's cataract practice. The LAL is the first IOL that can be adjusted after the surgery. Dr. Murrell can customize your IOL so that you can have the vision that you desire.

The LAL is a premium IOL which will not be covered under your medical insurance hence will have to pay for this IOL.

 

What's coming to Dr. Murrell's practice in the next few months.
Embrace with Accutite and Facetite and Morpheus Prime and Morpheus8

Accutite and Facetite: - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that can melt fat and mildly tighten skin. It requires only a small opening in the skin. The Accutite is for small areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. The Facetite is for the larger areas of the face such as the jowls, neck, and nasolabial folds.

Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that are applied to the skin to tighten the skin and collagen underneath the skin. The Morpheus Prime is for smaller areas smaller areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. the Morpheus8 is for the larger areas of the face. Both Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 takes 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart from each other.

The Accutite and Morpheus Prime can both be performed to the eyelids to maximize the cosmetic effect. Likewise, the Facetite and Morpheus8 can both be performed to maximize the cosmetic effect.

The Embrace is the device that rungs the Accutite, Facetite, Morpheus8, and Morpheus Prime. These treatments are not covered by insurance. The patient will have to pay for the procedure.

What's New in Dr. Murrell Practice in 2023

Light adjustable IOl (LAL) for Cataract Patients

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