Few things are as frustrating as dealing with dry eyes. There are several causes of dry eye syndrome, including staring at your phone or computer screen for too long, the wind blowing in your eyes, and seasonal allergies.
Do your eyes dry out often? Not sure what’s causing your eyes to dry out? You may suffer from chronic dry eyes or some other condition preventing your eyes from being properly lubricated. Learn more about what causes dry eye, what your treatment options are, and where you can get professional help.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
When your tear gland doesn’t produce enough lubrication (tears) for your eyes, they begin to dry out. In some cases, dry eyes may feel irritating. In other cases, it can be a chronic pain to deal with. This condition is known as dry eye syndrome. Common symptoms among those who suffer from dry eye syndrome include scratchy, dry, and painful sensations; a constant feeling that something is in their eye; blurred vision; eye redness; and a sensitivity to light. Windy and dry environments tend to be associated with dry eyes for obvious reasons, but other environmental factors, such as allergies also play a role.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Although you may have experienced dry eye, there is a big difference between chronic dry eye and temporary dry eye. But how do you know if your dry eye symptoms are signs of a chronic issue or not? Think about how often your eyes dry out. If they dry out constantly, then you likely suffer from chronic dry eye. People with autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or contact lenses tend to suffer from chronic dry eye.
1. Chronic Blepharitis
As mentioned earlier, there can be a number of causes for your dry eyes, including environment, personal habits, and other underlying eye conditions. One of the most common causes of dry eye is blepharitis. This eye condition is caused by inflammation of the oil glands in your eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis include red, itchy, and swollen eyelids. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, a burning sensation in your eye, and blurry vision. If you’re taking prescription medication, check with your doctor if dry eye is one of the side effects.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome
Another reason that your eyes dry out could be because of dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Those who suffer from dry eye syndrome actually overproduce tears as their bodies try to accommodate their irritated eyes. It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s your body’s natural defense against dry eyes. The problem is, the tears produced often do not contain enough water. This may lead to further irritation, blurred vision, and itchy eyes.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
You may find relief for your dry eyes in home remedies or over-the-counter solutions. Eye drops, humidifiers, or simply resting your eyes are all great ways to relieve yourself. But you can also incorporate fatty acids in your diet, which provide vitamins and nutrients for your eye health. Rubbing certain creams and ointments around your eye can sometimes help as well. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a professional at Toledo LASIK. Let us provide you with answers and treatments so you can get back to enjoying life without a dry eye.
