Everyone has dry eyes occasionally, but if you have suffered from them every day for weeks, this is not normal. Before your eyes get any worse, you need to talk to an eye doctor or optometrist. At VisionSmith in Plymouth, MN, we have been diagnosing and treating dry eye for many years.
Causes of Dry Eye
The main cause of dry eyes is inadequate moisture. This can be due to the eyes not making enough tears or tears that evaporate too quickly for your eyes to handle. Hormone changes, illnesses, and inflammation all affect tear production.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Symptoms usually happen in both eyes, but can occur in just one eye. Dry eyes feel scratchy, itchy, burning, and sore. They may always feel as if there is a piece of grit against the eye. There may be mucus coming from the eyes. Eyes are usually pink or red. Vision may get blurry, and even though your eyes are dry, they may constantly leak tears. Any light can be painful. For some people, the pain of dry eyes can make it hard to work, drive, study, or even blink.
Will Dry Eyes Go Away on Their Own?
If you’ve had dry eyes for weeks, then they will not get any better on their own. The chances are high that your symptoms will get much worse, even if you’re using bottle after bottle of eye drops or artificial tears. The sooner you get treatment from an eye doctor or optometrist, the sooner you can get relief.
Dry Eye Treatment
After getting an eye exam to rule out other causes of your symptoms, you may get medicated eye drops. If they don’t work, tiny plugs can be inserted into your tear ducts. You can also make lifestyle and diet changes to help reduce your symptoms.
Turn down indoor heating, because dry air will dry your eyes out even further. Keep your face away from fans or hair dryers. Use a humidifier. Eat foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, or Omega-3 fatty acids, like mackerel. Avoid smoking, as smoke irritates the eyes.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist for Dry Eye Treatment in Plymouth, MN
If you have further questions about your dry eyes and live in the Plymouth area, the optometry professionals at VisionSmith are ready to assist you. Call us today at (763) 559-5522 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.