5 Signs You Have Dry Eye Syndrome

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, otherwise known as “dry eye syndrome,” is a common condition and can be treated. However, depending on the extent of your dry eyes, the treatment could make everything more uncomfortable for a short period of time.

Regardless of the discomfort, though, you should see your eye care team if the symptoms persist for more than a few days in order to prevent any lasting damage to the eye.

In this article, we will discuss five common signs of dry eye syndrome, the exact nature of this condition, as well as some typical causes of dry eyes.

What is dry eye syndrome?

A crucial part of the structure of our eyes and eyelids is tear ducts. They are responsible for keeping our eyes moist and lubricated, as well as clearing debris by producing tears to wash over the eyeball and then filter them out through the tears.

There are also oil glands in the eyelids that work just as hard to produce the right amount of oil in order to cover the surface of the eye and act as a protective barrier.

It is this production of oil that keeps our eyes healthy. Thus, should this production fail in any area, then our eyes will become dry, and we can experience various issues.

There are many different symptoms you can experience. While one symptom on its own might not seem like a bad thing, if it is persistent, then an eye exam is strongly recommended.

Some Typical Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

There are various factors that can cause or lead to dry eyes. Many people will associate it with a lack of sleep or even allergies. While such factors do contribute to dry eyes, there are other things that can also cause this discomfort.

For example, people over the age of 50 are more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome than someone in their twenties.

Additionally, dry eye syndrome can be a side effect of certain medications. Therefore, in such cases, it may only be temporary depending on how long you require the medication.

As well, some underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and even vitamin A deficiency can trigger dry eye syndrome. If you have any of these or other medical conditions, remember to advise your eye care team so that they can have a full history and be able to treat you appropriately.

1. Burning sensations

You may have experienced a burning sensation in your eyes when you become overly tired, but this can also be a sign of dry eyes.

Burning, itchy, or sore eyes can all be due to a lack of sleep, stress, or dry eyes. It is your body’s way of letting you know that your eyes have become drier than normal and, therefore, need attention.

If this sensation is prevalent throughout the day despite a good night’s rest and lasts for a few days in a row, then speaking to your eye care team is advisable.

2. Red eyes

Usually accompanying the dryness, your eyes may also become red or bloodshot. The capillaries or small blood vessels are trying to keep the eye functioning but may be stretched a little thin due to the lack of tears being produced.

This is not an issue so much in itself, but rather it is a good indicator that there is a problem that sleep alone cannot fix.

3. Mucus or stringy mucus present

One thing that our bodies are good at doing is producing other substances to try and hydrate certain areas. In the case of the eyes, for instance, a small amount of mucus can be produced.

This can either be a result of an infection or dry eyes. Either way, the body is trying to help itself. This mucus, though, can blur or block our vision, and depending on how much is produced, you may need to clean your eyes on a regular basis.

4. Light sensitivity

When your eyes dry out, the film covering the surface of the eye wears down and, therefore, the surface is no longer smooth. This can affect how the eye processes light and images and cause irritability and sensitivity.

Dryness can also affect certain nerves within the eye itself, which will react and cause a painful sensation when exposed to light. Prolonged exposure can have a negative effect on the eye and your vision, and if left untreated, this can lead to permanent damage.

5. A gritty feeling

Is there something in your eye, or are you imagining it? With dry eyes, you can experience the sensation of something being in your eye when, really, it is just the dry surface becoming irritated.

That gritty feeling can irritate your eyes and your nerves, and will not disappear on its own unless you are able to lubricate the eye again with artificial tears or drops.

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of the dry eye syndrome and the severity, the treatments can range from eye drops to surgery or even a simple change in lifestyle.

Diet and exercise are things that people commonly hear about in regard to overall health and weight, in particular. Our lifestyles can also affect our vision and general eye health.

For example, dehydration, eating too many fatty foods, smoking, and alcohol consumption can all contribute to poor eye health. Your eye care team will assess your overall health, age, and degree of dry eyes before making any recommendations.

Some types of laser eye surgery can work and aid in the resolution of dry eye syndrome by targeting certain areas of the eyelids, helping to release oil buildup, and promoting natural tear production and unclogging glands.

Other treatments may include artificial tears or medicated eye drops. If the dryness is due to medications, then you can speak to your healthcare provider about a possible change. However, do not change your medication without consulting your doctor first.

For more information about dry eye syndrome or to book your eye exam call Clearview Vision Institute at 647-493-6371 or you can contact us online. Reach out to us and let us clear up your dry eyes and restore your vision to its optimum today.