What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people. The condition occurs due to inadequate tear production, which leads to a lack of lubrication. Your eyes may fail to produce the necessary amount of tears or the tears may be absorbed too fast. The eyes may be producing poor-quality tears, which can lead to damage or inflammation of the eye surface. Dry eyes are very uncomfortable as they cause a stinging or burning sensation.
 

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

The symptoms of dry eyes can vary in intensity and they usually affect both eyes. Some symptoms include a burning, scratchy or stinging sensation, feeling something in the eyes, sensitivity to light, and eye redness. Other symptoms include eye discharge, difficulty wearing contacts, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and watery eyes. Many individuals with dry eyes experience difficulty with night driving.

 

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes occur due to various reasons that affect a healthy tear film. The tear film has three layers that help keep the eye surface smooth, clear, and lubricated. A problem with any of the different layers can lead to dry eyes. Tear film disruption can be hormonal due to autoimmune disease or an eye allergy. 

Decreased tear production and an increase in tear evaporation can lead to dry eyes. The main causes include aging, certain medications, certain medical conditions, and problems due to contact lens use or laser surgery.

 

Risk Factors for Dry Eyes

Several risk factors can cause you to experience dry eyes. They include being over 50 years old, being a woman, and wearing contact lenses. Tear production decreases as people get older, making dry eyes more common. Women are more likely to experience dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by birth control, pregnancy, or menopause. 

 

Eating a diet low in vitamin A or Omega-3 fatty acids is also a risk factor. People who have had refractive surgery or those who wear contacts have a high-risk factor of getting dry eye syndrome.

 

Complications of Dry Eyes

People with dry eyes often end up experiencing several complications. The complications include eye infections due to the lack of adequate tears needed to protect the eye surface. Dry eyes can contribute to a poor quality of life caused by the difficulty in performing important daily activities. If left untreated, damage to the eye surface can lead to eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, and abrasion of the cornea. In some cases, dry eyes can lead to vision loss. 

 

Preventing Dry Eye Symptoms

There are some things that you can do to prevent symptoms of dry eyes. Try to avoid situations or environments that can aggravate the condition. Avoid having air blown into your eyes when using hair dryers, air conditioners, car heaters, and fans. 

 

Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air. You should also wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to block out dry air and wind. Take frequent breaks when working on a computer and avoid smoke.

 

Your environment can exacerbate dry eye syndrome. Certain situations such as being in an air-conditioned room can cause dry eyes. Staring at a computer screen for hours, riding a bike, or even being on an airplane can cause dry eyes.



To learn more about the signs & symptoms of dry eyes & available treatment options, visit the Great Eye Doctor of Burleson at our office in Burleson, Texas. You can also call (817) 295-0186 to book an appointment today.