As the vibrant colors of fall sweep across the Central Valley, from the farmlands of Hanford to the nearby communities of Lemoore and Corcoran, many of us look forward to the cooler weather. But for a large number of Kings County residents, autumn brings more than just pumpkin spice lattes and festive decorations—it brings a new wave of eye discomfort.
Are your eyes red, itchy, and watery? Do they feel gritty, dry, or even a little blurry? You might be quick to blame it on the changing season, but what if it’s more than just a typical allergy flare-up? When is it time to stop self-diagnosing and seek professional help?
This guide from Kings Eye Center is designed to help you understand the differences between common fall eye conditions and recognize the signs that you need a professional eye evaluation. Serving the Hanford community and surrounding areas, our team is here to help you get the relief you need this season.
The Culprits of Fall Eye Discomfort: Allergies vs. Dry Eye vs. Pink Eye
Fall allergy season in Central California is driven by weed pollens, such as ragweed, sagebrush, and pigweed, which become significant from August to October. While some symptoms overlap, understanding the key differences between these conditions is crucial for effective treatment.
Allergic Conjunctivitis (Eye Allergies)
Allergic conjunctivitis is the body’s reaction to an allergen. When pollen, mold spores, or dust mites come into contact with your eyes, your immune system releases histamines. This causes the tiny blood vessels in your conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of your eye) to become swollen and red.
Common Symptoms:
- Intense, persistent itching
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids
- Clear, watery discharge
- A burning sensation
- Often accompanied by other allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat
Why Fall Makes it Worse: On hot, dry, and windy days common in the Hanford area, pollen counts can be especially high, causing a surge in symptoms.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated and healthy. This can happen year-round but is often exacerbated in the fall.
Common Symptoms:
- A sandy, gritty, or “foreign body” sensation
- Stinging or burning
- Blurred vision, especially after prolonged computer use (Computer Vision Syndrome is a common cause)
- Excessive watering (a reflex to the dryness)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Eye fatigue
The Connection to Fall: The combination of wind, low humidity, and indoor heating can dry out your eyes, making the symptoms of dry eye syndrome more prominent.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
While allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye, the term “pink eye” often refers to a viral or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. This is highly contagious and requires different treatment.
Common Symptoms:
- Redness and irritation
- A thick, pus-like discharge (bacterial) or watery discharge (viral)
- Crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning
- The feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other
Key Distinction: Unlike allergies, which cause intense itching, viral or bacterial pink eye is often characterized by significant discharge and a gritty feeling.
Answering Your Top Questions About Fall Eye Issues
Why Kings Eye Center is the Right Choice for Your Eye Health
Serving Hanford, Lemoore, and the entire Kings County region, Kings Eye Center is more than just an eye clinic—we are a trusted part of the community. We combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our experienced team, including professionals who grew up right here in Hanford, understands the unique eye health challenges that residents of the San Joaquin Valley face.
From routine comprehensive exams to specialized treatments for dry eye and other ocular diseases, we are dedicated to preserving the precious gift of sight for you and your family. Don’t let eye discomfort keep you from enjoying all that fall in the Central Valley has to offer.
Don’t Wait for Relief. Schedule Your Eye Evaluation Today!
If you are a resident of Hanford, Armona, Lemoore, or any of the surrounding communities and are struggling with persistent eye discomfort, don’t let it go undiagnosed. A simple eye evaluation could be the first step toward lasting relief.
Request an Appointment at kingseyecenter.com or Call Now to speak with our friendly staff and schedule your consultation. We are ready to help you see the world clearly and comfortably.
Your Partner in Lifelong Eye Health
Our specialists at Kings Eye Center are committed to using the latest glaucoma diagnostics and treatments to safeguard your vision for the future.
