Dry eyes are the third most common eye problem in the United States, after cataracts and glaucoma. The condition itself is characterized by a lack of tears or a reduced amount of tears, which can lead to dryness and irritation. While it’s not usually serious, dry eyes can be very uncomfortable and disruptive to your ability to function on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are many different causes of dry eyes as well as many different treatment options available. If you think you have this condition, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
Dry eyes are a condition that affects millions of people in the United States, including those who wear contact lenses, those who work in jobs that require frequent computer use, and older adults.
Dry eye syndrome is caused by a lack of tears or tear film on the surface of your eye. Tears are necessary for keeping your eyes moist and healthy; when you don’t have enough tears to do this job properly, it can cause problems such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
One common cause of dry eyes is aging–as we age, our bodies produce fewer oils (lipids) than they did when we were younger, which results in less lubrication for our eyes as well as skin wrinkles around them, which makes them appear smaller than they actually are! Another major cause is wearing contact lenses for long periods without taking breaks from them, so make sure you’re wearing appropriate cleaning solutions every day just like any other piece of equipment used at work would require regular maintenance checks, too, because if left unchecked, these things get dirty fast!
Dry Eye Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
If you experience dry eyes, you may experience symptoms like stinging, burning or itching on a regular basis. This is not just about the eyes; it’s also a sign that an underlying condition could be causing your discomfort.
Dry eye syndrome can result from many different things. Some of these include:
- Medications (such as antihistamines)
- Allergies (to pollen or dust mites)
There are many different causes for dry eyes, and there are many different treatments available. Dry eyes can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Aging
- Allergies or other irritants such as smoke or air pollution
- Diseases like diabetes, lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis that affect the immune system
- Medications, including oral contraceptives and antidepressants (SSRIs)
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing dry eyes, it’s important to know that there are many different causes and treatments available. You can take steps now to prevent this condition from becoming worse, including using artificial tears regularly and getting regular checkups with your eye doctor.
Call your Orangeville eye doctor today at 519-941-6761.
