Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes lack sufficient lubrication. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this syndrome, covering its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Whether it’s discomfort or vision changes, understanding dry eyes is crucial for maintaining eye health and overall well-being. Let’s look into effective ways to manage dry eye syndrome and how to prevent dry eyes from impacting your daily life.
What are Dry Eyes?
As we touched on earlier, dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a common ocular condition characterized by insufficient lubrication and moisture on the eye’s surface.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in 2020, approximately 16.4 million Americans, comprising 6.8% of the US adult population, are affected by dry eyes. The study also found that dry eye syndrome is more prevalent among women than men, affecting approximately 11.1 million adult American women compared to around 5.3 million men. Additionally, the study revealed a higher risk of diagnosed dry eye syndrome among individuals aged 45-54 years and over 75 years compared to those aged 18-34 years, emphasizing the impact of age on the prevalence and severity of the condition.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Persistent dryness.
- Irritation and itching.
- Burning or stinging sensation, especially in environments with low humidity or prolonged screen time.
- Grittiness sensation, as if there are foreign particles present.
- Redness and sensitivity to light, making it challenging to tolerate bright lights or sunlight.
- Blurred vision.
- Excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication.
- Discomfort with contact lenses.
If you find yourself asking, “Why are my eyes always dry?” recognizing these symptoms is essential for seeking appropriate evaluation and treatment from an eye care professional like our experts at Classic Vision Care. It’s also worth noting that these symptoms can vary in severity and may fluctuate throughout the day.
Causes of Dry Eyes
What causes dry eye? There are several factors that can contribute to the development of this condition. Environmental elements like dry or windy weather, smoke, and air conditioning can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dryness. On top of that, lifestyle choices such as excessive screen time and prolonged use of contact lenses can disrupt the tear film’s balance, resulting in inadequate lubrication.
In addition, dry eye symptoms can be triggered by aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as neurological, endocrine, and eye conditions, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes. Understanding these diverse causes can help mitigate risk factors and allow people to adopt proactive measures to maintain eye health and comfort.
Prevention and Treatment
To determine how to cure dry eyes, it’s crucial to explore various treatment options and remedies. At Classic Vision Care, we offer a variety of comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs and condition. Our treatment options include:
- Eye drops: For instant relief, we select the most suitable eye drops to alleviate dryness and discomfort.
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL): Our in-house IPL treatment targets meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye, by restoring the oil in your tears.
- MiboFlo: This dry eyes remedy involves an advanced procedure that gently heats your eyelid meibomian glands, promoting oil production to fortify your tears and maintain moisture.
- Punctal Plugs: Microscopic devices placed in your tear ducts by our experts help retain tears on the eye’s surface longer, reducing dryness.
- Scleral Lenses: Designed to rest on the sclera (whites of the eye), these lenses create a reservoir for tears, providing continuous lubrication.
By combining expertise with innovative technology, we aim to both alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve your overall eye health.
Your Path to Relief and Better Eye Health
There’s no doubt that professional care is vital for optimal eye health, especially when dealing with conditions like dry eye syndrome. At Classic Vision Care, our experts provide tailored treatments to ensure comfort and clear vision. Don’t wait to prioritize your eye care needs – contact us to schedule an appointment. Take the first step towards healthy and hydrated eyes today!