Everything you Need to Know about Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is a common occurrence for some and is due to a lack of lubrication. But did you know the weather could also affect it? Well it can, there are numerous other things that affect dry eye and knowing about them can be a great way to help alleviate the issues. So here’s a guide to all things related to dry eye.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), dry eye syndrome is a condition that is a part of the eye condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca. What are the symptoms? There are two common symptoms that people with dry eye syndrome exhibit, they are: Blinking: One of the symptoms of dry eye is blinking too much. It becomes difficult to close your eyelids. You may blink less frequently, just blinking too much. This is because you don’t have enough tears in the eye to wash away the accumulated oil. As a result, the surface becomes rough, and you become more sensitive to allergens. : One of the symptoms of dry eye is blinking too much. It becomes difficult to close your eyelids. You may blink less frequently, just blinking too much.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Dryness: Your eyes can feel dry and feel gritty, like sand paper
- Confusion: You may find that your eyes feel like there is something in them, such as sand, grains or lint
- Tooth-grinding: Your eyes may feel a bit irritated, burning or itchy
- Tears: You may feel your eyes running down your face as you blink. Blinking will help bring tears to your eyes
- Hot flushes: Tears that you normally cry during the day can’t be drained by your tear ducts and flow all over your face at night making you look like you’re crying and upsetting your partner
- Eye pain: Your eyes may hurt or feel irritated after rubbing. Dry eye We’re just going to concentrate on dry eye symptoms, there are a few other things that can cause the symptoms you’re experiencing.
The Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is usually caused by an inflammation in the eye which can be caused by a change in the way we use our eyes as well as outside influences, such as environmental allergens. Environmental factors include:
- Air pollution venting allergen in a home
- Using your eyelids for too long
- The excessive blowing of your nose
- Stress and anxiety
- Eye injuries Hormonal changes
- Eye surgery Prolonged use of contact lenses
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Sunburn Allergies to certain products
If you’ve had a cold or sore throat recently, you’re more likely to develop a dry eye. What Causes Dry Eye? There are a few different causes of dry eye. But no matter the cause, the symptoms are all the same.
How To Treat Dry Eye
We all know the old saying that the worst enemy of beauty is dry eye and all the dryness associated with it, but does it get any worse than this? Probably not, we’ve combed the web to find the best ways to cure dry eye, so read on to find out what you can do. 8 Ways To Treat Dry Eye Syndrome:
- Keep An Eye On Your Environment When the air quality isn’t up to scratch, your eyes can suffer. Fortunately, we live in a time when you can control the environment and the levels of pollution in your area.
- Check your air filter regularly and be on the lookout for air conditioning and heating systems that aren’t fitted properly, this can create dust and debris in the air.
- Make sure you clean your windows and keep the blinds open during the day.
- Carry eye drops to lubricate your eyes when they are dry
- Be mindful of the temperature outside as intense winds and dry heat can affect your eyes
- Wear sunglasses in hot and sunny climates
- Utilizing Glasses or protective Lenses
- Visit an eye doctor to talk about possible fixes to the issue
Conclusion
Dry eye syndrome is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives, whether it is mild or more serious. A good way to alleviate the issue is to increase lubrication. But, if there are still dry eye symptoms, certain creams and eye drops are available for it. To be safe, consult a doctor. Otherwise, if you have mild cases of dry eye, you should just be careful with your regular eye care. Otherwise, do what you need to do, stay hydrated and follow the best practices to avoid dry eye. To learn more about dry eye, contact an eye doctor like Dr. Eric Medina of Radiant Eyes Boca.