Dry eyes occur when the tear ducts don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort and visual disturbances that can severely impact quality of life. The prevalence of dry eye varies among populations, but it's estimated that 10–20% of adults experience this condition to some degree.

 

How Dry Eye Affects Your Daily Life

Dry eye can significantly affect your quality of life. It can make everyday activities like reading, driving, and working on a computer difficult and uncomfortable. It can cause persistent irritation, redness, and a feeling of grittiness in your eyes.

Besides physical discomfort, dry eye can also affect your emotional well-being. The constant discomfort and irritation can lead to frustration and stress. It can impact your work productivity, and in severe cases, it can even lead to depression.

Furthermore, if left untreated, dry eye can lead to more serious eye problems. It can cause inflammation and damage to the surface of your eyes.

Identifying the Visual Symptoms of Dry Eye

The visual symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person. However, some common signs include stringy mucus in or around your eyes, or eye redness.

Other visual symptoms may include difficulty wearing contact lenses, difficulty with nighttime driving, and blurred vision or eye fatigue. It's worth noting that symptoms can often worsen after reading, looking at a computer screen for a long time, or being in a dry environment, such as an airplane cabin.

Interestingly, another symptom of dry eye can be watery eyes. This is because dryness on the eye's surface may over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism.

 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

The causes of dry eye can be categorized into two main types: decreased tear production and increased tear evaporation. Decreased tear production, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, can be due to aging, certain medical conditions, or damage to the tear glands from radiation or inflammation.

Increased tear evaporation can be caused by wind, smoke, or dry air. Blinking less often, which tends to occur when you're concentrating, reading, or driving, can also contribute to increased tear evaporation. Additionally, eyelid problems, such as out-turning or in-turning eyelids, can lead to dry eye.

Other causes of dry eye can include certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants. Long-term use of contact lenses can also lead to dry eye.

 

When to See an Optometrist for Dry Eye Symptoms

If you've been experiencing persistent symptoms of dry eye, it's important to see an optometrist. While occasional dryness or irritation can be normal, especially in certain environments or after prolonged screen time, persistent discomfort or visual disturbances warrant a visit to the optometrist.

It's especially important to seek professional help if you're experiencing severe symptoms, such as extreme redness, pain, or vision loss. These could be signs of a more serious eye condition that requires immediate treatment.

Additionally, if you've tried over-the-counter eye drops or other home remedies and your symptoms haven't improved, it's time to see an optometrist. They can perform a thorough examination and provide a more effective treatment plan.

 

Managing Dry Eye

There are several approaches to managing dry eye, depending on the severity and cause of your symptoms. Over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears can provide temporary relief for mild dry eye. There are many different brands available, and you may need to try a few to find the one that works best for you.

If over-the-counter solutions aren't enough, your optometrist may recommend prescription medications. These can help your body produce more tears and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, procedures may be necessary to treat dry eye. This can include closing your tear ducts to reduce tear loss or special contact lenses that help retain moisture.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medical treatments and preventive measures, there are several lifestyle modifications and home remedies that can help you cope with dry eye. For example, maintaining a healthy diet can support eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds, can help improve dry eye symptoms.

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body and your eyes hydrated. Warm compresses can also provide relief for dry eyes. They can help stimulate tear production and unclog blocked oil glands in your eyelids.

Regular exercise can also help improve dry eye. It can improve blood circulation, which can help your eyes produce more tears.

 

Conclusion

Dry eye is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Recognizing the visual symptoms of dry eye and understanding its causes are the first steps to managing this condition effectively.

If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, consult with our professionals at Green Eye Care in our New York, New York, office. With the right treatment plan, you can manage dry eye and improve your quality of life. Please call (347) 757-5475 to schedule an appointment today.