Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Eye
Could your tired, irritated eyes be affected by dry eye syndrome? Take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions on this subject provided by Family Vision center in Stratford and Bridgeport.
Is Dry Eye a Disease?
Dry eye is not a specific disease in its own right. It's a syndrome that may be related to a variety of underlying diseases, disorders, or lifestyle challenges. It occurs when your eyes aren't sufficiently hydrated and lubricated by the tears you produce.
Why Am I Not Producing Enough Tears?
People typically produce fewer tears as they age, commonly resulting in dry eye. Other causes may include medications or medical conditions that dry you out as well as external influences such as constant wind or allergens. Marathon computer use can encourage your eyes to blink less frequently than they should. Some contact lenses can worsen dry eye.
I'm Producing Plenty of Tears, So Why Do I Still Get Dry Eye?
The tear film that covers your eye surfaces must contain the proper three-layer structure of mucous, water, and oil. If the oil-producing glands in your eyelids aren't functioning correctly, you may not be adding enough oil to your tear film to keep all that water from evaporating, no matter how many tears you produce.
What Symptoms Does Dry Eye Produce?
Dry eye typically makes the eyes red, itchy, tired, and irritated, as if there's something in your eyes. You may also experience light sensitivity and blurred vision.
Is Dry Eye Dangerous?
Dry eye is not an emergency condition in the short term. But if you let your dry eye continue on a chronic basis, you're exposing your corneas to potential damage, infection and scarring.
How Does Your Optometry Team Find the Cause of My Dry Eye?
Our optometry team will examine your symptoms, eliminating other possible causes to help confirm a case of dry eye. We will also study your medical history, lifestyle, current medication list, tear production, and tear film makeup to understand the cause of your dry eye.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Your dry eye treatment regimen will depend on the underlying cause. Eye drops are commonly used to combat age-related dryness. Environmental and work changes, changes in your medical care or contact lens usage, and treatment of the eyelid glands may also be prescribed.
Get All the Facts at Our Stratford or Bridgeport Office
Family Vision Center has your dry eye answers. Call our Stratford at 203-377-2020 or Bridgeport office at (203) 333-2020 today to schedule an evaluation and get help.
