Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Sunday, May 15th, 2016, 1:21 am
Do your eyes feel sore and dry? Do they burn and get red? If you said yes, you could be suffering from dry eye disease (or dry eye syndrome), a common condition that develops when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. These symptoms may also be accompanied by periodic blurriness that goes away when you blink. It’s estimated that one in every three people over age 65 will experience dry eyes in their lifetime, especially women. While there are cases where dry eye syndrome can be severe, the symptoms of dry eye syndrome are generally mild.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
The most common causes of dry eye syndrome include:
- Wearing contacts
- Hot or windy weather
- Inflammation of the eyelids (or blepharitis)
- Medications like antihistamines, beta-blockers and antidepressants
- Hormonal changes in women due to menopause, pregnancy, or being on birth control
Can Dry Eye Syndrome Be Prevented?
There are several ways to treat dry eye syndrome, including eye drops, medication to minimize inflammation, and in more serious cases, surgery. Tips to care for your eyes and protect against dry eye syndrome include:
- Avoiding climates or surroundings that are windy, dry, hot or dusty keeping
- Taking regular breaks from your computer screen to relieve eye strain
- Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut and tuna
- Keeping the air moist with a humidifier
When Is Dry Eye Syndrome Serious?
It’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor for your dry eyes if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Itchiness and burning
- Watery eyes
- Feeling like something is in your eye, like sand or dust
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Overuse of artificial tears
- Worsening symptoms not made better by using artificial tears
If you would like more information about dry eye syndrome, or to schedule an appointment, please complete our convenient online contact form. For locations, click here to find a center near you.
Category: Dry Eyes
