WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE SYNDROME?

 

Causes

The main causes of dry eye syndrome are the underproduction of tears or poor-quality tears. The production of human tears has three basic parts, and there are a few types of dry eye syndrome depending on which part is being affected. The lacrimal glands secrete the tears, the meibomian glands secrete the oils within the tears, and the goblet cells blend them together. Dry eye syndrome may appear whenever any one of these three aspects of tear production becomes unbalanced. Many different issues can impact each component, such as menopause, smoking, underlying conditions like thyroid disorder, and certain prescription drugs.

Symptoms

Those who suffer from dry eye syndrome often have impaired vision and bloodshot, scratchy, stinging eyes. A lot of people feel like they have sand in their eyes or have pain when inserting contact lenses. Often, individuals with dry eye syndrome also explain that their eyeballs feel swollen and achy. Occasionally, they become sensitive to light and/or have problems with driving at night. In contrast to what the name implies, dry eye can, in some cases, trigger even more tears to compensate for the dryness. Dry eye syndrome is the chronic combination of some or all of these symptoms and typically causes challenges in everyday duties and recreational activities.

 

DO I HAVE DRY EYE SYNDROME?

Individuals who have dry eye syndrome commonly deal with blurry vision and red, itchy, stinging eyes, as these are the most common symptoms. To determine if you have the condition, you will attend a consultation with one of our eye doctors.

Dry eye takes many different forms, and nearly 86% of patients with the condition reportedly experience signs of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). To treat this specific type of dry eye syndrome, our board-certified ophthalmologists utilize state-of-the-art technology to warm and compress the glands in the eyelids and reduce symptoms.

 

DRY EYE SYNDROME FAQS

Is dry eye syndrome dangerous?

Tears are essential for good eye health. They wash away foreign particles and keep the surface of the eye smooth. While dry eyes are not an emergency condition, chronic or untreated dry eyes can expose your eyes to potential damage and scarring.

Do I have dry eye syndrome?

The most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome involve dryness, eye irritation, redness, and burning eyes. You may feel as if there is sand or a foreign object in your eye. Wearing contact lenses may also increase your discomfort. If you have one or more of these signs, call our office for an evaluation.

What are my treatment options for dry eye?

Artificial tears or prescription eye drops are the easiest ways to soothe irritated eyes. We may also recommend lifestyle changes such as taking frequent breaks from your computer screen. During a consultation, our board-certified ophthalmologists can review advanced methods for treating the glands to reduce your symptoms.

 

RELIEVE DRY EYE TODAY

Having dry eye syndrome is not only frustrating, but it can also result in a decreased ability to see if not treated properly. If you are suffering from dry eye symptoms and attempting (but failing) to treat them with over-the-counter solutions, schedule an eye exam at our eye centre for the wonderful ophthalmologist and eye care professionals at AMVision.