Answering Your Dry Eye FAQs
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that develops due to a lack of lubrication in your eyes. Typically, your eyes produce tears continuously to keep them moist throughout the day. Dry eyes occur when your glands do not work correctly, producing insufficient tears to keep your eyes lubricated. M-Eye Vision in Katy, TX, is here to answer some of your frequently asked questions about dry eye and how our optometrist can treat and manage it.
What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eyes?
Your glands not producing enough tears is the primary cause of dry eyes. Your tears could also dry too quickly and cause irritability due to the lack of moisture. Poor-quality tears that do not keep your eyes lubricated are another frequent cause of dry eye. Other common causes of dry eyes include:
• Spending several hours looking at screens every day
• Certain medications, the common cold, allergies, and high blood pressure
• Living or working in a dry, smoky, or windy environment
• A side effect of laser eye surgery
Recognizing the signs of dry eye is crucial for getting prompt care from an eye doctor near me. Early detection and treatment of dry eye can prevent vision loss.
What Are Dry Eye Risk Factors and Symptoms?
You are slightly more likely to develop dry eye if you are a woman over 50 years old. Other factors that can put you at higher risk of developing dry eyes include wearing contact lenses, having an autoimmune condition like lupus, and not getting enough vitamin A in your diet. Common symptoms of dry eye include blurry vision, a burning or stinging sensation in the eye, light sensitivity, red eyes, and having mucus around your eyes.
You should schedule an appointment with an optometrist near me if you still feel discomfort after trying over-the-counter eye drops, using a cool cloth over your eyes, or resting your eyes. Our optometrist can determine the appropriate treatment to ease symptoms.
What Are Some Dry Eye Treatments?
The first treatment option our optometrists will use for dry eye is prescription eye drops. These eye drops produce artificial tears to help your eyes remain wet throughout the day. We may recommend tear duct plugs if your tears drain too quickly. These can help keep your tears in the eyes to reduce symptoms.
We can also suggest lifestyle changes, such as taking a break from the computer every hour or using a humidifier, to keep your eyes moist and prevent symptoms. You should also eat a healthy diet, remain hydrated, and wear sunglasses whenever you are outdoors.
Get Dry Eye Treatment From Your Eye Doctor Near Me in Katy, TX, Today
Dry eyes can be a frustrating condition that significantly impacts your daily life, so contact M-Eye Vision in Katy, TX, to get dry eye treatment that helps you enjoy life again. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at (281) 394-7886 to protect your eye and vision health.