Are your eyes feeling gritty, sore, or irritated? Do you constantly feel like there’s something in your eye, but there’s nothing there? You might have dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy, comfortable, and protected. Without enough tears, your eyes can become dry, inflamed, and uncomfortable.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer customized dry eye treatment in Liberal to help you find lasting relief. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of dry eye syndrome and what you can do to feel better.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome
Several factors can lead to dry eye syndrome, including:
- Aging, which naturally reduces tear production
- Hormonal changes, especially in women during pregnancy and menopause
- Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid disorders
- Medications such as antidepressants and antihistamines
- Environmental factors like dry air, wind, and smoke
Understanding the cause of your dry eye symptoms is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary from person to person, but they generally include a feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes, redness, itching, burning, and blurred vision. Other symptoms may include light sensitivity, eye fatigue, and excessive tearing (which happens when the eyes try to compensate for the lack of moisture).
Tips for managing dry eye syndrome
Are you looking for ways to manage dry eye syndrome? Here are some helpful tips you can try:
- Use artificial tears: These over-the-counter drops can provide temporary relief by adding moisture to your eyes.
- Blink frequently: Remember to blink frequently to help spread tears across your eyes.
- Be mindful of your environment: Whenever possible, avoid dry air, windy conditions, and smoke, as they can worsen your symptoms.
- Take breaks: If you spend a lot of time reading or staring at a screen, make sure to take regular breaks to give your eyes a well-deserved rest and prevent digital eye strain.
- Add some moisture: Consider using a humidifier in dry environments to help add moisture to the air.
When to see an eye doctor
If the tips above aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, talk to your eye doctor about more advanced treatment options. Your optometrist might suggest prescription eye drops or tear duct plugs. Another effective treatment is LipiFlow® treatment, which is a device that uses heat and pressure to unclog the tear glands in your eyelids and restore proper tear function.
Don’t let dry eyes get the best of you
If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, it’s important to seek professional dry eye treatment to find lasting relief. Our experienced eye doctors in Liberal are here to help you determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes and find the best treatment for your unique needs. We offer a wide range of treatment options, including LipiFlow, to help you find relief from grittiness, irritation, and other dry eye symptoms. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or use our online appointment request form.
