If you have prolonged dry eye symptoms, they’re probably a grave sign about your eye health. Having dry eyes can be an uncomfortable condition. Read more and understand this common eye condition and learn how to prevent it.
Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes
What are Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes is a common health condition pertaining to the lack of eye moisture and lubrication. According to experts, millions of adults in the U.S. suffer from this condition. There is more risk of suffering dry eyes in women and in people at an advanced age.
How Do I Know I Have Dry Eyes?
You’ll know you have dry eyes when you feel the following symptoms in the eyes:
- a burning, stinging sensation
- redness
- a feeling of having “something” in the eyes
- watery eyes as a bodily response to dry eyes
- in some cases, string-like mucus in or around the eyes
People who are yet to be diagnosed with dry eyes complain of
- difficulty in wearing contact lenses
- difficulty in driving at night or low-light destinations
- blurred vision
- light sensitivity
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Humidity may be one factor, but people who suffer dry eyes don’t have enough tears moisturizing and lubricating them. However, dry eyes can develop due to many reasons, including:
- age
- gender
- specific medication
- pre-existent health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems
- improper eye care
How Do Tears Relate To Dry Eyes?
Tears are actually great for your eyes. Tears, which comes from a special gland around the eye, contain water, oils, mucus specifically for helping the liquid to spread, antibodies and special proteins that keep your eyes away from infection. If there are no tears, your eyes get exposed to unnecessary elements that could accelerate the condition further.
But did you also know that too many tears can also cause dry eyes? This eye condition is called reflex tearing because the tears are the body’s biological response to moisturize and lubricate the eyes. Your body triggers a signal to the brain to order the gland to produce tears to keep the eyes moisturized. However, the tears are said to be of water consistency, so it can only do so much as washing foreign elements from your eyes
Should I See My Doctor About It?
If you experienced chronic dry eyes, you definitely need to. Additionally, if you often have irritated, reddish, and painful eyes, it is probably your body signaling you there’s a bigger eye condition you need to pay attention to. If left untreated, it may cause additional health issues like macular degeneration and so on.
Dry Eyes Treatment
Natural treatment for dry eyes includes healthy changes in your poor diet, taking supplements to dry eye medication. But in the last few years, advancements in modern medicine has allowed long-suffering patients to subscribe to effective treatments. Modern research has also shown potential for eye treatments that can treat conditions at an accelerated phase.
Dry Eyes Prevention
If you need to manage dry eyes, you can start by getting a diagnosis to know what kind of treatment would effectively resolve it. Eye doctors usually prescribe eye drops first. Ask your ophthalmologist to prescribe you one without preservatives. If you have the recurring kind, check with your doctor for an eye gel or ointment you can apply on at night.
Learn more about dry eyes from Dr. Eric Berg and how to improve your eye condition below:
Having dry eyes can be a real pain, especially if it gets worse. Take note of your dry eye symptoms and consult your doctor on how to best treat them. The earlier you seek diagnosis, the quicker you can get relief and manage this uncomfortable eye condition.
Got any questions about dry eyes and how to treat them? Ask us in the comments section below!
