Is It Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Allergy, or Both?

Consider these proven action steps to arrive at a definitive diagnosis

By: Alyssa Motter, OD, Richard Motter, OD, Pamela E. Theriot, OD, FAAO, Joseph P. Shovlin, OD

Optometric Management July 16, 2025 Vol 60 (6), Issue July/August 2025

5 Key Takeaways

1

Dry eye disease (DED) and ocular allergy are common ocular surface disorders that can present with similar symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
2

A thorough case history is essential to differentiate between DED, ocular allergy, and other causes of ocular discomfort and redness.
3

Slit lamp examination can reveal specific signs of ocular allergy, such as swollen lids with papillae, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
4

Assessing the tear film is crucial, as both DED and ocular allergy can lead to tear instability and exacerbate each other's symptoms.
5

Effective interventions for ocular allergy include allergen avoidance, preservative-free tears, cool compresses, and topical medications.

Alyssa Motter, OD

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Alyssa Motter, OD, is an optometrist who has written on ocular surface disease for Optometric Management. Her work includes clinical guidance on differentiating dry eye disease from ocular allergy and recognizing when the two conditions coexist in patients with red eye, burning, itching, and ocular discomfort.

Richard Motter

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Richard Motter, OD, is an optometrist whose published work in Optometric Management focuses on ocular surface disease, including the clinical differentiation of dry eye disease and ocular allergy. His article contributions address practical diagnostic steps for evaluating red eye, ocular discomfort, contact lens-related irritation, and overlapping allergic and dry eye presentations.

Joseph P. Shovlin

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, is an optometrist who has written on the clinical management of corneal infections. In Optometric Management, he contributed guidance on initial treatment approaches for bacterial and viral keratitis, as well as less common non-bacterial infections such as fungal and Acanthamoeba keratitis.

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Optometric Management

Is It Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Allergy, or Both?

5 Key Takeaways

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