Dry eye disease symptoms often include a stinging or burning sensation, redness, and blurry vision. If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, our team at Thornhill Vision Care can help you explore options for dry eye treatment.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
The symptoms of dry eye include more than just a feeling of dryness. They include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling in your eyes
- Redness & sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that disappears temporarily when you blink
- Watery eyes, which is your body’s response to the irritation
What Causes Discomfort & Irritation
Dry eye disease is caused by problems with your tears. Your eyes need a constant layer of tears in order to stay healthy and comfortable. If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or if those tears are of poor quality, you might develop dry eye.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your eyes don’t produce the volume of tears that they need to stay lubricated. This can be related to a few different factors. Natural aging processes and hormonal shifts can both reduce tear production. Certain health conditions or medications can also affect how many tears your body makes, as can long-term use of contact lenses.
Poor-Quality Tears
For your tear film to work correctly, it needs a balance of oil, water, and mucus. If any of these components are missing, your tears may evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes unprotected. This often happens when the tiny oil glands in your eyelids become blocked.
Factors That Increase Your Risk
While anyone can experience dry eye, some factors can increase your risk of symptoms. Your age, environment, and even your diet can play a role in the health of your tear film.
A few common risk factors include:
- Being at least 50 years old
- Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause
- A diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
Is Dry Eye a Serious Problem?
For many people, dry eye can be frustrating. Left unaddressed, however, it can also sometimes lead to other issues. A healthy tear film helps protect the surface of your eye from dust and debris. Without that protection, your eyes may be more vulnerable to infections. Persistent dryness can also lead to inflammation or damage on the eye’s surface, making daily activities like reading or driving more difficult.
Simple Ways to Manage Symptoms
Small changes in your daily routine and environment can help support your eye comfort. We recommend that you try the following:
- Use a humidifier. This adds moisture to the air, which helps slow down tear evaporation.
- Take breaks from digital devices and follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Wear wrap-around glasses to help shield your eyes from the elements.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If your symptoms don’t improve, consider seeking professional advice. As your optometrist in Thornhill, we can perform a detailed assessment to identify the source of your discomfort. From there, we can recommend a management plan.You don’t have to navigate dry eye discomfort alone. Our team at Thornhill Vision Care has been helping the community with compassionate eye care for more than 30 years. To explore your options for relief, schedule an appointment with us for an assessment.
