Are your eyes constantly itchy and dry? You might think it’s allergies or from being overtired, but it could be something else entirely: dry eye syndrome. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Untreated dry eye can affect your quality of life and even cause vision loss, so it’s important to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist. Keep reading to learn more about dry eye syndrome, including its symptoms, common causes, and how to treat it so you can get relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when those tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are crucial to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy. Without enough tears, your eyes can get red, itchy, and irritated. Other symptoms of dry eye syndrome include blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye fatigue, and a burning, stinging sensation in the eyes. You might also feel like there’s sand in your eyes or have difficulty wearing contact lenses.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome
Dry eye can occur for many different reasons. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can lead to dry eye. Additionally, environmental factors, such as exposure to air conditioning or wind, spending long hours on screens, and some medications can contribute to dry eyes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also increase the risk of dry eye by reducing tear production. Identifying the root cause of your dry eye can help us find the best treatment for you.
Treating dry eye syndrome
There are many ways to treat dry eye syndrome, depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, over-the-counter drops or warm compresses may be enough to provide relief. Lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, using a humidifier in dry areas, taking breaks from screens, and wearing sunglasses when outdoors may also help. You can also try eating more foods or taking supplements that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. If your dry eye is more serious, your eye doctor may suggest prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation or a gentle in-office procedure to clear blocked tear glands.
Whether your dry eye is mild or severe, it’s important to see a specialist to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. Our dedicated team of eye doctors in Jacksonville specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. We’ll identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, develop a customized treatment plan, and offer ongoing care to effectively manage your condition. Contact us today to book an appointment.