Dry Eye Syndrome

Chronic dry eyes or dry eye syndrome is a condition that can cause extreme discomfort, interfering with daily tasks and quality of life. Over the counter treatments and home remedies don’t always help and can often make the symptoms worse. Though the condition is more common in older individuals, dry eye can affect people at any age. How do you know if you suffer from dry eyes?

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is an eye condition that occurs when the quantity and/or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated. It can occur in one eye or both eyes and may lead to inflammation.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

There can be a number of causes for the inadequacy of the tear film which is supposed to lubricate the eyes. For some, the cause can be decreased tear production. In others, the tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes often due to an imbalance of the water, oil and mucus that makes up the tear film. Many times this is caused by a blockage or problem with the meibomian glands in the eyelids which are responsible for producing tears.

Dry eyes and reduced tear production can be a result of autoimmune diseases, radiation treatment, diabetes, vitamin A deficiency or complications from eye surgeries. Other possible causes are eyelid conditions, medications or environmental factors. In some instances the use of contact lenses also causes dry eyes.

The 3 Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

While dry eyes can have a number of causes, the symptoms are often the same as a result of the eyes not receiving sufficient lubrication. Many people have dry eyes on occasion, but how do you know if there is an underlying issue that may be chronic? Here are the three most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome:

Itching and Burning Sensation

An itching, burning sensation is the most common symptom of dry eyes. Often there is also a gritty sensation as if there is a something in the eye. These uncomfortable symptoms often lead to the desire to rub the eyes which can further irritate the eye and intensify the burning sensation. Occasionally, the individual may also experience some pain or discomfort.

Eye Redness

Another symptom that is common among patients with dry eyes is redness. It is often the result of a combination of factors which cause irritation. The fact that the eyes are not properly lubricated means there is a high risk of irritation which alone can result in redness of the eyes. When dry eyes are stressed such as during intense reading, or rubbed due to itchiness, the redness can intensify.

Watery Eyes

Surprisingly, watery eyes is another symptom of dry eyes. Watery eyes from excessive tearing is the eye attempting to compensate for the dryness. However, this excessive tearing does not offer any meaningful relief for the patient. The body’s natural response to the irritation of dry eyes is ineffective because the quality of the tears produced is insufficient as they are not composed of the right ratio of components. Watery eyes also result from eye fatigue when the eyes are stressed during reading or other intense activities. Extreme tearing can also result in blurred vision.

Schedule An Appointment With Us Today!

Do you have dry eyes or know someone that does? Do you suffer from these common symptoms? Now is the time to act to prevent greater discomfort and improve your quality of life! Schedule an appointment with us today at The Dry Eye Center At Eye Trends.

Our dry eye doctors will be available to examine the condition of your eyes and provide superior treatment. No matter the severity of your dry eye syndrome, we will work to determine the cause and find the solution to relieve your symptoms. Our Houston dry eye clinic helps both young and adult patients to achieve comfort and relief from their dry eye symptoms. Contact us today!