The difference between dry eyes and allergic eyes
With the question of Dr. Muhammad Hantira, an honorary assistant professor, ophthalmology department, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
We explained the difference between dry eyes and eye sensitivity. Eye sensitivity, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is a very common condition, and it occurs when the eyes are affected by something irritating, as the eye secretes a substance called histamine to fight allergens, and as a result the eyelids and conjunctiva become red and swollen.

Tears may flow from the eyes with a burning feeling, and unlike other types of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from one person to another, and it may be a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.
As for dry eyes, it occurs when the eyes are not able to provide adequate moisture to the eyes, and dry eyes can occur if the eye does not produce enough tears, or if it produces poor quality tears, and the person may feel a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes.
Dry eyes may occur in certain cases, such as: riding an airplane, being in an air-conditioned room or when riding a bike, or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours, and eye drops help relieve pain.
Dr. Hantira also indicated that the symptoms differed between them.
Eye allergy symptoms You may suffer from allergic reactions in one eye or both eyes. Symptoms of eye allergy include the following:
• Watery eyes.
• Itching.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Redness.
• The feeling of having sand in the eye.
• Eyelid swelling.
Dry eye symptoms Common dry eye symptoms include:
• Burning and itching.
• Pain or redness.
• Mucus in or around the eyes.
• Periods of watery eyes followed by dry eyes.
• Inability to cry.
• Blurred vision, or eye fatigue.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Heavy eyelids.
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
• Eye strain from reading or using the computer.