Are your eyes constantly dry, scratchy, or irritated? Is your vision blurry after reading or staring at screens, or do you feel like something is stuck in your eye that you can’t get out? If so, you may be dealing with dry eye syndrome, a common condition that can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Dry eye can either be a temporary issue or a long-term, chronic condition, depending on the cause. Learn about the key differences and what you can do to find lasting relief.
Temporary dry eye
Sometimes, dry eye is a temporary issue. Maybe you’ve been staring at a screen for too long, sitting in front of a fan, or spending time in a dry, dusty environment. Even certain medications can cause temporary dryness as a side effect.
This kind of dry eye often clears up on its own. Taking breaks from screens, using artificial tears, and staying hydrated can usually help get your eyes back to normal.
Chronic dry eye
If your symptoms persist no matter what you do, you might have chronic dry eye. This happens when your eyes either don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Chronic dry eye can have many underlying causes. A few common culprits include:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – When the tiny oil glands in your eyelids get blocked, your tears don’t stay on your eyes long enough.
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, birth control, and menopause can all affect tear production, making dry eye more common.
- Autoimmune diseases – Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production.
Chronic dry eye can cause eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, and discomfort while wearing contact lenses, and it won’t just go away on its own. Many people with chronic dry eyes end up needing professional treatment before they start feeling better.
Finding relief from dry eye
If your dry eye is mild, simple changes like blinking more, using lubricating eye drops, and avoiding dry, windy places can help. However, if your symptoms aren’t improving, it’s time to see an eye doctor who can figure out what’s behind your dry eyes.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Liberal, Kansas, including LipiFlow®. If your dry eye refuses to go away, LipiFlow® treatment may be the solution. This FDA-approved, in-office treatment uses gentle heat and massage to unclog blocked oil glands in your eyelids, helping your eyes stay naturally lubricated. Many people feel relief after one treatment session, but experts recommend a series of treatments for optimal results.
If dry eye is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule an appointment with Prairie Vista Eye & Optical today to explore your treatment options and find lasting relief!