Dry eye disease is more than just a frustrating inconvenience. This common problem causes irritation, discomfort, and the constant urge to blink or rub your eyes. If you’ve ever noticed a chronic burning sensation, it was likely dry eyes.
Fortunately, dry eye disease is also highly treatable. You can visit your optometrist for dry eye therapy and a personal treatment plan. Sometimes, it’s even as simple as using a humidifier at home to add more moisture to the air!
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
The tear film requires a careful balance of oils, water, and mucus to keep the eye hydrated and protected. However, when this balance is disrupted, it leads to persistent dryness and irritation. This is dry eye disease—a constant burning and stinging sensation on the eye’s surface.
There are 2 types of dry eye disease:
- Aqueous deficiency dry eye, where the eyes can’t produce enough tears
- Evaporative dry eye, where the tears being produced evaporate too quickly
It can be chronic or temporary, with flare-ups whenever you’re exposed to harsh environments or moving air. Millions of people experience dry eye disease every day, and this condition rarely goes away on its own.
How to Recognize Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is often recognizable by non-stop burning sensations. It often feels like there’s a small piece of scratchy material against the eye’s surface. This tends to get worse on windy days or in bright environments.
Other common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Scratching sensations
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- The feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
If your eyes routinely feel dry, it might be more than temporary irritation. Unlike allergies, dry eye isn’t seasonal, and it often requires more tailored care. Fortunately, your optometrist can help you find lasting relief.
But what causes these sensations in the first place?
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Many factors can lead to dry eye disease. Your eyes are extremely sensitive, so anything that affects their surface or your tear film can offset the symptoms. However, some common causes of dry eye disease include:
- Environmental causes, like air pollution or exposure to harsh winds
- Smoking or any other tobacco usage, as it inflames the eyes
- Autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or even lupus
- Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines or antidepressants
Dry eye disease can even develop due to natural dryness in the air—especially in the wintertime. If you frequently use air conditioning or central heat, these could contribute to the dry, irritating sensations.
All of these issues can take a toll on your eyes, especially when more than one is at play. So what can you do?
At-Home Changes To Help With Dry Eyes
Finding relief from dry eyes often starts with simple changes at home. Fortunately, these are fairly easy to achieve.
First, think about setting up a humidifier. These play a big role in improving indoor air quality. They add more moisture to the air, which means your eyes don’t have to work as hard to protect themselves. This simple change can make all the difference!
Some other at-home changes to prevent dry eyes include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to add moisture.
- Adjusting your diet to include omega-3 fatty acids, known for supporting eye health.
- Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear to block wind and harmful UV rays.
- Pointing any fans or air circulators away from your face.
Together, these make your home environment significantly more comfortable. While they can’t completely stop dry eyes, they can reduce the risk of flare-ups and irritation. Consistency is key here—the more you work to prevent dry eyes, the easier it is to enjoy comfortable vision once more.
When to Visit Your Optometrist for Dry Eyes
Sometimes, you need more than at-home adjustments to get relief. If your symptoms persist, it’s time to contact your optometrist.
Here at Eyes on Westlake, we tend to recommend OptiLight IPL for dry eye therapy. This is a quick, safe, and non-invasive approach to dealing with dry eyes. It offers lasting relief, and all it takes is a few minutes!
IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses gentle light pulses to warm your eyelids. It targets the oil-producing glands inside while working to reduce inflammation in the area. This encourages oil production to create healthier tears while stimulating the eyes and eyelids.
Soon, this leads to improved natural tear production and less irritation. This treatment is entirely safe and comfortable, and it offers lasting relief from dry eyes. This makes IPL a great way to deal with dry eyes in the long term!
Let Our Team Help You Find Relief
Dry eyes don’t have to hold you back. A humidifier, lifestyle adjustments, and in-office treatment can make a noticeable difference! If you’re dealing with dry eyes, don’t deal with them alone—instead, come visit our team at Eyes on Westlake. We’re here to help you find relief, so book your appointment today!
