Spring Eye Allergies or Dry Eyes: Understanding the Overlap

Experiencing itching and burning eyes?

Both are common symptoms associated with dry eye and ocular allergies, but which one is it? With the arrival of spring, we will cover their similarities and their key differences.

Symptoms of Seasonal allergies and dry eye

Although allergies and dry eye have overlapping symptoms [1], a closer look can help distinguish between them.

Itchy eyes are typically a hallmark of seasonal allergies. Sometimes, itching can intensify leading to rubbing, which may cause inflammation and mild swelling. [2] Inflamed eyes may also be a symptom of dry eye; however, unlike allergies, dry eye accompanies foreign body sensation and dryness. [3]

Timing matters too—if symptoms like itching and burning eyes appear primarily in March to May (onset of spring and summer), allergies could be the cause.

What’s Causing Allergies?

As the old saying goes, “March winds and April showers bring May flowers”. This classic proverb describes the preparation of nature for the abundance of spring. As snow melts and weather slowly warms up, March’s breezy days scatter plant seeds far and wide, while April showers provide the water plants need to flourish in May.

Unfortunately, the same elements also contribute to seasonal allergies. Wind carries pollen through the air, while rain helps the plants grow, leading to a surge in pollen levels. Allergens, including pollen, larger than 5μm can accumulate in the eyes and eyelids and potentially trigger allergic reactions. [4]

Relationship Between Allergies and Dry Eye?

Allergies and dry eye are two distinct conditions with different cause. However, allergies may indirectly contribute to dry eye symptoms.

One factor is antihistamines, a common treatment for allergy relief. These medications block histamines naturally occurring in our body that are responsible for immune response to allergic reactions. Antihistamines can also interfere with molecules involved in tear production, leading to reduced tear quality and increased dryness. [5]

Finding DUAL Relief for Both Allergies and Dry Eye

Is there a way to manage both conditions? Fortunately, yes! Lubricating eye drops may help with long-lasting lubrication of the eyes while allergy eye drops can help minimize irritation. Using two separate eye drops may be an option, but better news awaits—HYLO-DUAL® mini and HYLO-DUAL® relieve both allergies and dry eye. They offer a unique combination of Ectoine and Sodium Hyaluronate.

• Ectoine: a naturally occurring molecule that helps stabilize the tear film and forms a protective shield over the eye’s surface, preventing allergens from triggering an allergic reaction [6,7]

• Sodium Hyaluronate: high-quality Sodium Hyaluronate provides long-lasting lubrication of the eye’s surface [8]

With its preservative-free solution, HYLO-DUAL® mini and HYLO-DUAL® provide proven allergy and dry eye relief in one drop. Its innovative HYLO® bottle system ensures sterility of the solution for 6 months after opening and dispenses one drop at a time.

The two pack sizes also offer a tailored approach to different needs. For acute treatment or seasonal use, HYLO-DUAL® mini is available in 150 drops, 5mL. For any users who apply frequently or enjoy long term use, HYLO-DUAL® provides 300 drops, 10mL.

HYLO-DUAL® mini and HYLO-DUAL® may be an effective alternative to traditional allergy medications and concurrent use of multiple eye drops for different purposes.

One drop of HYLO-DUAL® mini and HYLO-DUAL® brings proven, dual relief of allergies and dry eye.

Looking to take another step to relieve allergies? Using lid wipes to cleanse any allergens and debris around the eyes and eyelids provides further relief! Soap-free, preservative-free, and saline only NACLINO™ Lid Wipes offer gentle yet effective cleaning. Pre-moistened, individually packed, and sterile lid wipes that can be easily carried around!

Appreciate the beauty of spring in 2025 without the discomfort of itching, burning, and dryness!

Should you have any concerns about your eye health, please consult with your eye health professional for medical assistance.

CandorVision™ – Your eyes are everything!

References:

1. Hom MM, Nguyen AL, Bielory L. Allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2012 Mar;108(3):163-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.01.006. PMID: 22374198. 

2. Mendoza O. What are eye allergies? [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Mar 14]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/allergies  

3. National Eye Institute | National Eye Institute [Internet]. Dry Eye | National Eye Institute; [cited 2025 Mar 14]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye 

4. Sierra-Heredia C, North M, Brook J, Daly C, Ellis AK, Henderson D, Henderson SB, Lavigne É, Takaro TK. Aeroallergens in Canada: Distribution, Public Health Impacts, and Opportunities for Prevention. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Jul 25;15(8):1577. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15081577. PMID: 30044421; PMCID: PMC6121311. 

5. Golden MI, Meyer JJ, Zeppieri M, Patel BC. Dry Eye Syndrome. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. [updated 2024 Feb 29; cited 2025 Mar 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470411/ 

6. Bownik A, Stępniewska Z. Ectoine as a promising protective agent in humans and animals. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2016 Dec 1;67(4):260-265. doi: 10.1515/aiht-2016-67-2837. PMID: 28033102.   

7. Dwivedi M, Backers H, Harishchandra RK, Galla HJ. Biophysical investigations of the structure and function of the tear fluid lipid layer and the effect of ectoine. Part A: natural meibomian lipid films. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Oct;1838(10):2708-15. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.05.011. Epub 2014 May 17. PMID: 24841755.  

8. Müller-Lierheim WGK. Why Chain Length of Hyaluronan in Eye Drops Matters. Diagnostics (Basel). 2020 Jul 23;10(8):511. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics10080511. PMID: 32717869; PMCID: PMC7459843.