Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people globally. It is the result of the eyes not producing enough tears, or those produced evaporate too quickly. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye syndrome can help you manage and treat the condition better. Read on to learn more.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

• Eye Discomfort - This can include feelings of dryness, itching, burning, or a foreign body sensation. 

• Redness -This can result from inflammation or irritation of the cornea and conjunctiva, the clear covering of the white part of the eye.

• Blurred Vision - Your eye's inability to produce enough tears leads to a buildup of debris and inflammation in the cornea. As a result, you experience blurred vision.

• Light Sensitivity - Some with dry eye syndrome may experience increased sensitivity to light. It often results from your eyes not producing adequate tears to protect the cornea from the sun's harmful UV rays.

• Excessive Tearing - Dry eye syndrome can make your eyes tear excessively. They do so to try to flush out the irritants.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

• Age - Age is one of the most frequent factors contributing to dry eye conditions. Our eyes produce fewer tears as we age, increasing our susceptibility to dry eye problems.

• Hormonal Changes - Dry eye syndrome can result from hormonal changes, such as those that take place during menopause. Tears are made in part by hormones. Low tear production can result from a decrease in several hormones.

• Medications - Several drugs, including blood pressure, antidepressant, and antihistamine medications, can cause dry eye syndrome. These drugs have the potential to either increase or decrease tear production.

• Environmental Variables - Dry, windy, or smoky weather conditions are examples of environmental factors that can cause dry eye syndrome. The eyes may become dry and inflamed because of these diseases, causing the tears to evaporate too quickly.

• Specific Medical Illnesses - Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and thyroid abnormalities are just a few of the conditions that might lead to dry eye syndrome. The glands in charge of producing tears may suffer from several disorders.

• LASIK and other eye surgeries - Dry eye syndrome can result from LASIK and other eye surgeries. The procedure may harm the glands producing tears, reducing tear production.

• Wearing contacts - Contact lenses can cause eye dryness. They may thus result in less tear formation.

See an Eye Doctor 

See an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. It can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications such as corneal damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dry eye syndrome typically begins with a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The doctor will evaluate your symptoms and look for dryness signs on your eye surface. They may also use special tests to measure tear production and the health of the tear film.

Treatment 

Treatment for dry eye syndrome typically begins with lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier, avoiding smoke and wind, and limiting screen time. People with dry eyes should blink frequently. Doing so can help lubricate the eyes.

Artificial tears can help lubricate the eyes. Punctual plugs, the devices inserted into the tear ducts to help keep the tears on the eye surface, can work. Another approach is to use warm compresses, which can help unblock the meibomian glands. Surgery may be necessary in some cases. It can help treat the underlying cause of dry eyes. For example, if the tear ducts are blocked, surgery may help open them.

For more about dry eye syndrome, visit Bright Eyes Vision at our Plymouth, Indiana office. Call (574) 936-2272 to schedule an appointment today.