As a person who suffers from dry eye, you may have a few questions about the condition. Our eye doctors would like to answer some of our patients' most commonly asked questions about dry eye. If you have questions of your own, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices in Anderson, Williamston, and Clemson.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition that affects the quality and quantity of tears that your eyes produce. As a result, your eyes can feel gritty, itchy, and sore without enough tears. It is an uncomfortable situation that makes daily life quite miserable.
What Causes Dry Eye?
While the root cause of dry eye can vary from person to person, some general causes are commonly linked to this condition. Some reasons dry eye occurs include the following.
- Age - its prevalence increases with age
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers)
- Environmental factors (wind, smoke)
- Too much screen time on computers, smartphones, or tablets
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye is not one of the more severe eye complications, but the symptoms you may experience are unpleasant. Some of these include eye fatigue, burning sensations in the eyes, redness, or difficulty wearing your contact lenses. If you have these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
There is no one perfect solution that works for every patient. We evaluate every patient to give them the best treatment for their dry eye. Some common symptoms include artificial tears or ointments to help lubricate the eyes. Inserts for the eyes can also be used to reduce tear drainage. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat dry eyes.
Can Dry Eyes Be Prevented?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent dry eyes. One thing you can do is avoid smoke and other irritants. Secondly, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and reduce dryness. Be sure to make an appointment with an optometrist if you are experiencing the symptoms that we have listed.
Book an Appointment at Family Vision
If you have questions regarding dry eyes, contact one of our convenient locations. We are happy to answer any questions and schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors if necessary. Call our Anderson office today at (864)-226-6041, Williamston office at (864) 847-7657, or our Clemson office at (864) 722-9205. You can also reach us through our website by using our online contact form.