Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling irritated, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. Dry eye can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but understanding the common symptoms and seeking the right treatment can help you find relief.
 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of tear film homeostasis, resulting in ocular symptoms, visual disturbances, and potentially damage to the ocular surface.
 

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is aging, as tear production naturally decreases as we grow older. Gender also plays a role, with women being more prone to dry eye, particularly during times of hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or when using certain birth control methods.
 

Environmental conditions can contribute as well, with dry, windy, or air-conditioned environments often exacerbating the issue. Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may also reduce tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms. Additionally, some medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid issues, meibomian gland dysfunction, and diabetes, can cause dry eye. Even eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can sometimes result in dry eye as a side effect.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including:
 

•        Dry, irritated, or burning eyes: This is one of the most common symptoms of dry eye. Your eyes may feel gritty, scratchy, or uncomfortable.

•        Redness: Dry eye can cause the eyes to appear red and inflamed.

•        Sensitivity to light: Dry eyes can make you more sensitive to bright lights, sunlight, or glare.

•        Blurred vision: Dry eye can affect the quality of your tears, leading to temporary blurred or fluctuating vision.

•        Watery eyes: Dry eye can sometimes cause your eyes to produce more tears in an attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture.

•        Feeling of a foreign object in the eye: Dry eye can make you feel like there is something in your eye, even when there is not.

•        Eye fatigue or strain: Dry eye can cause your eyes to feel tired or strained, especially after prolonged use of digital screens or reading.
 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
 

When to See a Doctor for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing persistent or severe dry eye symptoms, it's important to see an optometrist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Some signs that it's time to see a doctor include:
 

•        Symptoms that persist for more than a few days or interfere with your daily activities.

•        Severe eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light.

•        Sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness or distortion.

•        Symptoms that don't improve with over-the-counter eye drops or other self-care measures.

•        If you have an underlying medical condition that may be contributing to your dry eye, such as an autoimmune disorder or thyroid dysfunction.
 

Your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess the health of your eyes and determine the underlying cause of your dry eye. They may also recommend specific tests, such as measuring tear production or evaluating the quality of your tears, to help diagnose the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
 

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
 

•        Artificial tears or eye drops: These over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can help supplement your natural tears and provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms.

•        Prescription eye medications: In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

•        Tear-stimulating medications: Certain oral or topical medications can help stimulate the production of tears.

•        Procedures to increase tear production: For chronic or severe dry eye, your doctor may recommend punctal plugs, which help conserve your natural tears, or a procedure to increase tear production.

•        Dietary changes: Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation, may also be beneficial for some individuals with dry eye.
 

Your optometrist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your dry eye and provides the most effective relief for your symptoms.
 

Optimizing Your Eye Health and Comfort with Today's Vision

Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. By understanding the common symptoms of dry eye and seeking the appropriate treatment, you can take steps to manage your condition and find relief.
 

If you are experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Today's Vision. We can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan to help you find relief and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. Contact our office in Laguna Niguel, California, by calling (949) 518-0055 to book an appointment today.