What causes dry eyes?
Your eyes are constantly covered by a film of tears that provides lubrication and nourishment. Dry eyes develop when your tears stop protecting your eyes due to:
- Low tear production
- Rapid tear evaporation
- Imbalanced tear composition
Tears must contain the right amount of oil, water, and mucus to do their job properly. Changes in your tears are triggered by a variety of conditions and substances, such as:
Eye conditions
Problems with the glands that produce oil and tears are the top causes of dry eyes. You can also develop dry eyes from inflammatory eye infections.
Medications
Dry eyes are a side effect of many different medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure medications.
Medical conditions
Allergies, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome are just a few health conditions that may cause dry eyes.
Excessive screen time
When you watch TV or spend time looking at a computer, smartphone, or other digital screen, you don’t blink as often as normal. Blinking is important because the movement spreads the tear film over your eyes. Reduced blinking leads to dry eyes.
Environmental conditions
You have a higher risk of developing dry eyes if you’re exposed to dry, dusty, or windy climates. Air blowing from an air conditioner or furnace can cause the same problem.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
When you have dry eyes, you’ll experience discomfort in the form of:
- Painful eyes
- Itching
- Burning or stinging
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Gritty, scratchy, or sandy feeling
- Feeling like something is in your eye
Dry eyes may also have the opposite effect, making your eyes produce excessive tears as they try to relieve the irritation.
How do optometrists treat dry eyes?
The optometrists at Valley Eye Professionals provide a variety of effective treatments for dry eyes. They customize your treatment based on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Artificial tears: the first line of treatment for dry eyes
- Temporary punctal plugs: dissolvable plug stops tears from draining
- Permanent punctal plugs: permanent silicone plugs inserted if dissolvable plugs work
- Restasis®: prescription eye drops that increase tear production
- Eye shields or goggles: protect your eyes from environmental conditions
If you have dry, irritated eyes, call Valley Eye Professionals or book an appointment online.
