Dry Eye Syndrome

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Relief for Dry Eye Syndrome

Eye Wares has the experience and technology to diagnose and treat chronic dry eye syndrome. Same day appointments. Insurance accepted.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know

While you may not often think about the fact that you’re blinking, it becomes more obvious when it feels gritty or itchy. Sometimes, this may even get so bad that you feel a burning sensation whenever you close your eyes. These are classic symptoms of dry eye syndrome, one of the most common eye diseases.

Dry eye syndrome affects around 16 million Americans. You can get this at any age and with many health conditions, so it’s best to know its causes and available treatments. This way, your eyes can heal quicker, and you can avoid further complications like infections. So, what is dry eye syndrome? What can you do to treat it?

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is also known as Ocular Surface Disease. This is a benign but chronic condition that mostly affects the older population. In normal eyes, the tear glands produce tears that act as lubricant between the eyelid and cornea. The liquid also provides much-needed moisture and washes away foreign contaminants. Tears aren’t just for expressing sadness or joy — they’re also an important component of eye health.

When the tear glands are unable to produce enough tears, the cornea won’t get the moisture and lubrication it needs. In some cases, the tears don’t have the proper composition, like oils and mucus, to properly work. This results in the dry and gritty feeling you experience whenever your blink, which are the hallmarks of dry eye syndrome.

What Causes Dry Eyes

There are several things that can cause problems with tear glands, some more acute while others are systemic. Addressing these causes will help stop the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and possibly cure it altogether.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are the most easily identified triggers for dry eye syndrome. If your eyes are exposed to strong winds, heavy smoke, or a dry climate, your tears will have a faster evaporation rate. Staring at a screen for long periods without blinking can also cause dry eyes. That’s why it’s important to blink at least 15 times a minute when in these conditions.

Medical Conditions

There are a few diseases that affect the tear glands, such as diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid problems. Managing the symptoms of these diseases will also help prevent dry eyes. Issues on the eye itself, such as eyelid inflammation or infections on the surface of the eye, can also cause dry eyes. It’s best to see an ophthalmologist in cases like these.

Age

The older you get, the less effective your tear glands become. This is a natural part of aging, and while it may not happen to everyone, a large proportion of elders will experience this. When this does happen, you need to regularly use medication like eye drops to avoid further complications that may worsen poor vision.

Other Factors

While the three factors mentioned above are the most common causes of dry eyes, there are many others that can trigger dry eye syndrome as well. These include hormonal changes in women, types of medication, the use of contact lenses, and even surgeries on the eye like LASIK. Consult eye care experts like us at Eye Wares to help you determine the exact cause of your dry eyes.

Dry Eye Symptoms: Watch Out for These Signs

Once your tear glands fail to produce enough tears or secrete tears with an unbalanced composition, you might start to feel the following symptoms.

  • Gritty sensation during blinking
  • Burning feeling
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Itchy eyes
  • Redness
  • Foreign objects in the eyes that don’t go away

Types of Dry Eye Treatment Available

The good news that there are multiple treatment options available to treat Dry Eye Syndrome, depending on the severity of the condition. Dr. Lauren Agnew, OD and her team of optometrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating dry eye. Eye Wares patients will find dry eye relief at the Eye Wares Dry Eye Treatment Centers in Uptown New Orleans, Metairie, and Mandeville. Each location is equipped with advanced technology to treat even the most severe cases.