Are your eyes dry or irritated? You could have a common condition called dry eye syndrome.
This occurs if you aren’t producing enough tears or the tears produced are low in quality. Keep reading to learn more about dry eyes and why you shouldn’t let them stand in your way!
How do you know if you have dry eye syndrome?
Having dry eyes is uncomfortable and could even be painful. The lack of lubrication can cause your eyes to become irritated and inflamed.
You may experience stinging or burning. You could have dry eye syndrome if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy eyes
- Build up of stringy mucus around your eyes
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity
- An ongoing sensation of something being in your eye
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty seeing at night
Side effects of dry eyes
Besides being uncomfortable, dry eyes come with their own side effects as well. They can impact your ability to wear contact lenses.
It is difficult for contacts to stick to dry eyes. If you want to wear contacts, your eyes must be well lubricated.
Seasonal allergies can produce many of the same symptoms of dry eye syndrome. If you experience seasonal allergies, it may become difficult to wear contacts during allergy season. In the spring and fall, this is the time when pollen and ragweed are at their peak.
Dry eyes are at a higher risk for eye infections. When your eyes are not well lubricated, it may be harder to fight off infections.
Bacteria floats in the air around us. This is especially true in public areas.
Bacteria can get into your eyes without you feeling it. This bacteria can cause eye infections. This can also put you at a higher risk of getting a cold or the flu.
Dry eyes can cause damage to the surface of your eyes if left untreated. Eyes that are too dry for too long can lead to abrasions or ulcers on your cornea. It can also cause vision loss.
What to avoid if you have dry eye syndrome
Certain environments and situations can worsen the irritation. This can include dry air on planes and look at a computer screen.
Do your best to avoid air blowing directly into your eyes. Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air. This can help your eyes stay moist and not dry out as much.
Wearing sunglasses when you are outside can protect your eyes from particles as well as the sun’s rays. Glasses can help protect your eyes when you are in an indoor public space.
Take breaks when you are focusing on a screen for a long period of time. Position your computer screen below eye level.
Close your eyes and massage your eyelids. Blinking rapidly can also help to wet your eyes.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
Eye drops or artificial tears can provide relief for dry eyes. They are very affordable and are available for over-the-counter use.
For some people, these are enough to treat symptoms caused by dry eye syndrome. For others, you may need a combination of things to treat your dry eyes, including medication.
Are dry eyes standing in your way of enjoying life? Schedule an appointment with Omaha Eye & Laser Institute at our Omaha, NE office today!
Don’t continue suffering when relief is easy to attain!
