Dry eye syndrome is a common condition. It can affect almost anyone at any point—if you’ve ever noticed a constant stinging sensation, you may have dealt with this. However, it isn’t just about temporary discomfort.
Dry eye syndrome compromises the integrity of your tear film, but tears are essential for clear vision. When the tear film is unstable, it can lead to blurry vision, distortions, and more. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, visit your optometrist as soon as you can to discuss dry eye therapy.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
The tear film plays a vital role in keeping our eyes healthy. It provides lubrication, protects the eye from irritants, and maintains clear vision. However, to do these jobs, a careful mix of oils, water, and mucus is needed.
When this delicate balance is disrupted, the eye isn’t protected. It’s easily irritated and inflamed, which causes constant stinging sensations—especially when exposed to moving air or poor air quality. Without proper moisture, the eyes can feel gritty and burning. Your vision may become distorted or blurry, and your eyes may even develop significant irritation.
This is a condition called “dry eye syndrome.” It can be offset by all kinds of potential factors and can be temporary or chronic.
How to Tell if You Have Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome isn’t just a short-term problem. If you constantly deal with this condition, you’re at a higher risk of scratches and eye damage. This can lead to permanent vision damage if you leave the condition unaddressed.
Watch out for the early signs of dry eyes, like:
- A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A feeling of having something in your eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Meanwhile, one extremely common symptom is vision issues. When your tear film is compromised, light can’t properly enter the eye. It scatters and refracts incorrectly, which can cause blurry vision. This can be an extremely uncomfortable side effect of dry eye syndrome.
If you notice these symptoms, visit your optometrist as soon as you can. They can help through something called “dry eye therapy.”
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome is complex. It’s rarely set off by one single cause—it’s typically due to a combination of factors.
One common cause is a problem with the glands in the eyes. Several glands run through your eyelids to create oils for your tear film. When these are impacted, inflamed, or infected, they can’t send these oils to the tears. This leaves the tear film unprotected, and tears evaporate early.
Dry eye syndrome can also develop due to:
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry climates.
- Certain medications that reduce tear production.
- Medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Knowing what causes your dry eye syndrome makes it easier to treat. Your optometrist can work with you to help you find relief.
Is Dry Eye Treatable?
Managing dry eye syndrome involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. These help reduce your symptoms significantly to bring comfort back to your everyday life.
Typically, your optometrist will recommend:
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to provide temporary relief.
- Warm compresses to unblock glands and improve oil flow.
- Prescription medications to reduce inflammation or increase tear production.
- Punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce drainage.
- Lifestyle changes involving diet and nutrition to promote a healthy tear film.
If these changes don’t help or your symptoms are severe, your optometrist may recommend in-office treatments. These are designed to stimulate the area around the eyes and encourage a healthy tear film. Your optometrist can work you through your options and help you make an informed choice to find relief.
Tips for Preventing Dry Eyes
When it comes to eye care, proactive steps are key. With some simple lifestyle changes, you can lower the risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Try to make some at-home adjustments, such as:
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during winter months or in arid areas.
- Wear protective eyewear when you’re outdoors to block wind and UV rays.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall moisture levels in your body, which can benefit your eyes.
- Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, as these nutrients are known to support eye health and improve tear quality.
- Avoid direct exposure to air vents or fans that can dry out your eyes.
These are simple steps, but they can significantly improve your comfort. They make it easier for your eyes to maintain a healthy tear film and keep your eyes protected.
Find Relief from Dry Eyes
Dealing with blurry vision and dry eye syndrome can be extremely frustrating. However, learning to recognize the signs of dry eye syndrome is the first step towards finding relief.
Here at ERC Optometry, our team is ready to help you find relief from your dry eyes. You deserve clear and comfortable vision, and we’re here to help. Book an appointment with our team today!
