Have you noticed your eyes are irritated and tired lately? While it may be an underlying condition, you may also suffer from what is known as dry eye syndrome. VisionSmith in Plymouth, MN, answers some of the most common questions about dry eyes.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a specific condition due to the eyes not being sufficiently lubricated on the surface. In other words, the tears naturally produced are not adequate for hydrating your eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye is caused by an insufficiency or abnormality with the tear film, resulting in fewer tears naturally produced. In several instances, getting older can cause the development of dry eye.
Factors like excessive computer use and wind exposure can also cause dry eye. In addition, certain medications may play a role. Therefore, it is necessary to check with our optometrist. The same is valid with underlying medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with Dry Eye?
Several symptoms can occur because of dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common symptoms associated with dry eye include:
- Redness and itchiness
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Aching
If you wear contact lenses, they will likely become uncomfortable. Also, believe it or not, your eyes may become watery, which is your eyes trying to rehydrate themselves. Yet, these tears tend to evaporate quickly.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Our optometrist can prescribe a gel-like product or artificial tears to help relieve your symptoms by adding moisture to the eyes. Sometimes, our eye doctor may prescribe a specific medication that will produce more tears.
This treatment is recommended if our optometrist can change the underlying root cause of your dry eye syndrome. For instance, modifying a current medical treatment may help prevent dry eye or simple steps like taking more breaks in front of a computer screen can help.
Contact Our Eye Doctor in Plymouth, MN
If you believe you are suffering from a syndrome that has a direct negative impact on vision, comfort, and quality of life, schedule an appointment with our optometrist at VisionSmith in Plymouth, MN. We can help you find an appropriate solution, so call us today at (763) 559-5522.