Do you ever feel like all the moisture from your eyes has disappeared and left your eyes feeling uncomfortable, malnourished, or even painful? Many people’s first instincts may be allergies, but another likely possibility is dry eye. Dry eye, an affliction where the eyes do not produce enough or good quality tears to lubricate the eyes, is very common and can be quite irritating. Keep reading to find out if your symptoms are similar to those of dry eye and how you can seek treatment.
Causes of Dry Eye
There are a handful of factors that can lead to dry eye.
- Age
The most common cause is age—the older you get, the more you may experience an imbalance of tear production and drainage, preventing tear flow. Many people ages 65 and older experience dry eye symptoms.
- Gender
Another cause could be gender, as women are proven to be more susceptible to dry eye due to hormones and female health processes, such as menopause.
- Environment
Your environment can also affect the health of your eyes. Dry, windy, or polluted/smoky areas can cause tear evaporation, which decreases the amount of tears actually lubricating your eyes.
- Medications
If you take antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, or blood pressure medications, you are more susceptible to dry eye due to side effects.
- Health conditions
If you suffer from diabetes, thyroid disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis, you are more susceptible to dry eye because of symptoms of these conditions.
Dry Eye Diagnoses
If you suspect you may have dry eye, a simple, comprehensive eye exam can diagnose your condition and even test the quality and quantity of your tear production. Dyes may be dropped into the eyes to test for tear abnormalities, and patient history may be collected to gain insight on other factors that can contribute to dry eye. The sooner you have been diagnosed, the sooner you can look into treatment.
Dry Eye Treatment
Healthy, comfortable eyes are possible with simple and proper treatments as instructed by your optometrist.
- Artificial tears
Artificial tears, or eye lubricant, can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed. These are an easy solution and can be used as often as needed. Preservative-free artificial tears are preferred, as they use fewer additives.
- Conserving tears
Another option to treat dry eyes is conserving your tears, which can be done by blocking the tear ducts so they cannot drain as often. Removable silicone plugs can be put in place, or a surgeon can go a step further to close to tear ducts altogether. The goal of this is to preserve the natural tears in the eyes longer.
- Supplementation
Supplements, like omega 3-fatty acid or dietary pills, can aid in the production and quality of your natural tears.
Dry, itchy, burning eyes do not have to be part of your day-to-day. With medical treatment and healthy self-care, comfortable eyes are highly achievable.
Ready to make an appointment or have questions?
Call our office at 480-994-1872 to talk about your options to combat dry eye!