If you’ve ever dealt with a constant stinging and burning in your eyes, it was likely a condition called dry eye. It’s more common than you might think; millions of people are affected by this condition. But how can you recognize dry eyes? Does it just cause blurriness, or is there something more to it?
Dry eye can cause blurry vision, eye strain, stinging sensations, and more. However, it’s not just about temporary discomfort. Dry eye also puts your eyes at risk of permanent damage to the cornea. If you’re dealing with dry eyes, visit your optometrist as soon as you can to find relief.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common eye condition that’s characterized by an imbalanced tear film. It develops when your eyes can’t produce enough tears, or when the tears being produced aren’t capable of keeping the eyes protected.
Usually, your tears are made up of a careful balance of oils, mucous, and water. The mucous keeps the tear attached to your eye and spreads the tears smoothly, while the watery layer helps to flush away contaminants while keeping the eye hydrated. Meanwhile, the oils spread across the outside of the tear and prevent it from evaporating.
When this tear film is imbalanced, it leaves the eye exposed. You may notice a constant burning and stinging sensation, as though there’s a piece of sand or dirt trapped against the surface of your eye. Dry eye is a common problem that affects around 30% of Canadians.
The Types of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a complex condition, but it can be separated into 2 main categories:
Evaporative dry eye develops when the oil glands in your eyelids (the meibomian glands) are blocked, leading to early tear evaporation. Meanwhile, aqueous-deficient dry eye develops when the eyes aren’t producing enough tears to stay hydrated.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be a chronic condition that flares up during difficult environments or stressful periods. However, this isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—because this condition leaves your eyes unprotected, you’re at a much higher risk of corneal damage due to abrasions, scratches, or scarring.
This is why it’s so crucial to keep an eye out for the signs that something is wrong. Typically, you can recognize dry eye by a consistent stinging and irritating sensation in your eyes, but you also may experience:
- Blurry vision
- Grittiness in the eyes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes (due to reflex tearing)
- A sensation of something in the eye
If you’re dealing with some—or all—of these symptoms, it’s likely dry eye.
What Causes Dry Eye?
The exact cause of dry eye is usually due to a combination of several factors at once. Your environment plays a large role in your likelihood of experiencing dry eyes; constant exposure to dry air, wind, or smoke can overwork your eyes and affect your tear production.
However, dry eye can also develop due to:
- Age-related changes in the eye
- Medications like antihistamines and certain blood pressure medicines
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems
- Hormonal changes
How to Treat Dry Eye
If you recognize the signs of dry eye, it’s time to take action. It all starts with a visit to your optometrist to discuss dry eye treatment.
During your appointment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and their internal structures in detail. To check for dry eye, they may measure your tear film to determine the specific type of dry eye you’re experiencing, then recommend an appropriate treatment to help you find relief.
Usually, it begins with lifestyle changes. To prevent dry eyes, try to:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use a humidifier in dry environments.
- Avoid direct airflow from fans or air conditioners.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Apply warm compresses to the eyelids
If your optometrist doesn’t believe these changes will help, they may recommend a more advanced approach. Eye drops are often the next step; with medicated eye drops, you can keep your eyes protected and hydrated while enjoying relief from your dry eyes.
Get Help for Your Dry Eyes
If you’re experiencing dry eyes or blurry vision, don’t leave the problem unaddressed. Remember—it can have a long-term effect on your vision, and there’s no need to put yourself at risk.
Instead, come see our team at Willoughby Doctors of Optometry for personalized comprehensive eye care. Our team can identify the cause of your symptoms and help you make a plan to find relief. Freedom from your dry eyes is right around the corner, so book an appointment with us today!
