Tears provide lubrication for your eyes. They also wash away foreign matters and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. When your eyes fail to produce consistent quality or adequate amount of tears, dry eye syndrome may occur.
Let your trusted eye doctor in Redmond, WA, from Alderwood Optical answer some common questions about this condition.
What Causes It?
Tears consist of oil, water, and mucus. These layers help prevent evaporation and spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. Deficiencies or irregularities with any of these may result in this condition.
It is more common among people over 65 years old as a natural part of the aging process. Certain medications, conditions, and even prolonged use of contact lenses are associated with dry eye. Environmental factors, such as exposure to wind, smoke, and dry climates, can increase the rate of tear evaporation. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for a prolonged time, can also be a factor.
What Are Its Symptoms?
You may experience a burning or sandy feeling in your eyes. Discharges, pain, and redness may also manifest. You may also report decreased tolerance in reading or wearing of your contact lenses. In severe forms, blurred vision may develop, as well.
How Can I Prevent It?
Frequent blinking and resting your eyes when reading or using your gadgets are among the preventive measures. Wearing of wraparound style of sunglasses can also reduce exposure of your eyes to dry winds or even the sun’s rays.
Our eye doctor in Kirkland, WA, may advise taking of essential fatty acid supplements to maintain your eyes’ health. Increasing your daily water intake may also help.
How is It Treated?
Since treatment depends on its causative factor, our first priority is to determine its underlying cause. This is especially important if a certain medical condition or medication causes your dry eyes.
Application of artificial tears to supplement natural tear production can usually manage this problem. If contact lens wear is the root cause, we may prescribe using an alternative corrective eyewear. Most importantly, we encourage you to have regular visits with our Redmond, WA, eye doctor. We may perform comprehensive eye exams that can confirm presence of this condition. This also helps us come up with a better treatment regimen according to your needs and lifestyle.
If you have any further questions on dry eye syndrome, call us at (425) 771-8472 (Alderwood Optical) or (425) 485-0430 (Canyon Park Vision Clinic). You may also complete our form to schedule an appointment.