Is It Common for Dry Eyes to Flare Up During Allergy Season?

If your eyes start to feel dry, gritty, or irritated around the same time seasonal allergies kick in, you’re not alone. Many people in Marble Falls and the surrounding areas notice their dry eye symptoms get worse during allergy season—and for good reason. Allergies and dry eye often go hand in hand, and our unique Texas climate doesn’t make things any easier.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Here in Marble Falls, we’re lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty—rolling hills, open skies, and plenty of wildflowers. But that beauty comes with a cost: pollen. From oak and cedar trees in the winter to ragweed and grasses in the spring and fall, allergens are practically part of the landscape. For many people, this leads to more than sneezing and congestion—it also contributes to dry, irritated eyes.
 

Add to that our dry, windy climate, and you’ve got the perfect storm for dry eye disease. What’s more, many locals suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a common condition where the oil glands in your eyelids don’t produce enough quality oil to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. This leads to unstable tear film and—you guessed it—dry eyes.
 

Understanding the Link Between Allergies and Dry Eye

It’s a bit of a vicious cycle. Allergies cause inflammation, and inflammation can disrupt your tear film. You may experience itchy, watery eyes, but the tears your body produces during an allergy flare-up aren’t the same as your everyday tears. They’re mostly water and don’t have the right oil balance, so they evaporate quickly. That’s why your eyes might feel wet but still be dry, irritated, or burning. On top of that, rubbing your eyes can further irritate the surface and even contribute to inflammation of the eyelids and meibomian glands.
 

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

If your go-to allergy drops or artificial tears aren’t cutting it, it’s time to come see us at Texas State Optical Marble Falls. There’s no reason to suffer through another season when advanced treatments are available right here in town.
 

We offer dry eye diagnostics and treatments tailored to your specific needs, including:

• TearCare® – A gentle, in-office procedure that helps unclog blocked meibomian glands.

• LipiFlow® – Combines heat and massage to treat the root cause of evaporative dry eye.

• MiBo ThermoFlo® – A non-invasive therapy that delivers therapeutic heat to the eyelids.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – Helps reduce inflammation around the eyes and restore natural tear production.

• And more, depending on your symptoms and underlying causes.
   

We treat patients from all over Marble Falls and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re gardening in your backyard, hiking through Hidden Falls, or just trying to get through a day at work without itching your eyes every five minutes, we’re here to help.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief? 

Dry eyes and allergy season might feel like an unavoidable part of life in Central Texas, but they don’t have to be. If your eyes are constantly irritated, watery, or dry—especially when allergies strike—there’s a good chance you’re dealing with more than just seasonal discomfort.
 

If you’re battling with dry eyes and allergy symptoms, schedule a consultation with Texas State Optical Marble Falls. We take the time to uncover what’s really going on and provide solutions that work for your lifestyle and long-term comfort. Visit our office in Marble Falls, Texas, or call (830) 201-3532 to book an appointment today.