What is Dry Eye?
Dry eyes are a common occurrence with prolonged computer/device use, contact lens wear, and age, among many other conditions and medication side effects. Dry eyes can cause the eyes to itch, water, redden, and experience blurry vision.
Dry Eye occurs when the eyes are not producing enough of the right type of tears. When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye. This keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. Dry eye is a condition where one or more of the glands producing these tears causes symptoms of burning, scratchy and irritated eyes.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of dry eye are:
- Your eyes feel like they are stinging and burning
- There is scratchy or gritty feeling like something is in your eye
- There are strings of mucus in or around your eyes
- You have lots of tears in your eye
- Your eyes are red and irritated
- Wearing contact lenses becomes painful
Causes of Dry Eye
There are quite a few possible causes for dry eye
- Age
- Gender (women are more susceptible than men)
- Blepharitis or other eyelid disorders
- Medications such as diuretics for high blood pressure
- Diseases such as Sjogrens syndrome, thyroid diseases or other medical conditions
- Your environment
- Contact lens use
- LASIK
- Computer or hand held devices.
Remedy
While there is no complete cure for dry eye, but one or more of the following might be suggested by your Optometrist.
- Artificial tears
- Prescription eye drops ( Restasis & Xiidra)
- Intranasal Tear Neurostimulator ( True Tear)
- Puntual Plugs
- Avenova
- Lid hygiene
- Omega 3’s
- Drinking a lot of water while decreasing caffeine intake
Visit a Four Seasons Eye Care professional to discuss treatment options for your dry eye condition to improve your comfort and vision.
