Dry eyes can be an irritating and uncomfortable issue. This common condition is easily recognizable by a constant stinging, burning irritation in your eyes. For some people, the symptoms are mild, and for others, they can be detrimental.
Dry eye isn’t just a temporary problem, though. It leaves the eye exposed and unprotected. In some cases, this can lead to scars, tissue damage, and worse. These can all lead to permanent vision problems and even blindness. This should always be taken seriously—professional care can go a long way in protecting your long-term eye health.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Your eyes depend on a healthy tear film to stay hydrated and comfortable. This consists of three parts—water for hydration, oil to prevent evaporation, and mucus to spread the tears evenly.
When one or more of these layers aren’t functioning properly, the eye isn’t protected. It quickly dries out and becomes inflamed. This condition, called dry eyes, is much more common than most people think.
Dry eyes can be caused by all kinds of potential factors, including:
- Environmental conditions like dry air, wind, or heavy exposure to smoke.
- Aging, as tear production can decline significantly with age.
- Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
- Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
So how can you tell if you’re dealing with dry eyes?
What Are The Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye is easily recognizable. Its name and most obvious symptom are the same thing—a persistent dry discomfort in the eyes. However, it can show up in different ways, so paying attention to subtler symptoms is essential.
Some common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes.
- Persistent redness or irritation that doesn’t go away.
- Sensitivity to light, especially in brightly lit environments.
- Stringy mucus near or around the corners of your eyes.
- Burning, stinging, or aching discomfort in your eyes.
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue when reading or working.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses for extended periods.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit your optometrist as soon as you can. Early intervention means you won’t have to deal with discomfort for long!
Do Dry Eyes Go Away?
Dry eyes vary from person to person. Some people experience temporary symptoms, while others constantly experience this irritation. It may worsen in specific situations, like working near windy air or harsh environments. Sometimes, the symptoms may disappear entirely after a few minutes!
However, regardless of the duration of your symptoms, untreated dry eyes can lead to worse symptoms. Prolonged dryness leaves your eyes exposed to the outside air. It becomes harder to flush away debris, bacteria, and other harmful particles.
This can eventually damage the cornea, irritate the surrounding tissue, and increase the risk of eye infections. This means dry eyes can directly lead to permanent vision damage—and even blindness—if you don’t address your symptoms. While this is rare, it’s still a possibility.
Taking dry eyes seriously is always worth it. A professional evaluation and customized plan are key to preserving your vision and quality of life.
Can An Optometrist Treat Dry Eyes?
Fortunately, there is good news. If you’re dealing with dry eyes, your optometrist can help. Whether you’re dealing with temporary or chronic symptoms, the right care can make all the difference.
First, your optometrist will need to assess your tear film. This gives them an understanding of your specific situation. Your optometrist can narrow down:
- The specific type of dry eye (aqueous-deficiency or evaporative dry eyes)
- The potential causes of your underlying symptoms
- Whether other eye conditions are at play
- Which treatments could bring you lasting relief
Then, your optometrist will recommend an appropriate type of dry eye therapy. There are several options, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or radiofrequency treatment (RF). They may even advise other treatment methods like gland expression, prescription drops, or other potential solutions.
These are effective ways to find long-lasting relief from your dry eyes. They address the underlying cause of your condition and aim to restore balance to your tear film. Through dry eye therapy, your optometrist can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce your symptoms.
Dealing With Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes don’t need to be a daily frustration. If you’ve noticed symptoms like irritation, redness, or blurred vision, it’s time to take action. It’s the key to finding lasting relief like you deserve!
If you think you’re dealing with dry eyes, come visit our team at The Eyecare clinics in Bonavista, Olds, Sundre and Carstairs. We’re ready to work with you and create a plan to help you find relief from your dry eyes. You shouldn’t have to deal with dry eyes alone—not when we can help. Book an appointment with our team today!
