When should I be concerned about dry eyes?
Everyone experiences dry eye at some point in their life. Sometimes it lasts for just a few hours, sometimes it lasts for days. Often at home remedies can solve your problem but seeing a doctor may be required. So, when should you be concerned about dry eyes? Let’s go over the “red flags” that you should be aware of to know that it is that time to make an eye appointment.
What is dry eye?
Dry Eye Syndrome results when the eyes are not producing an adequate amount of tears to keep them lubricated. This common condition can result in an itching, burning, inflamed, and/or stinging sensation in the eyes. It can also cause light sensitivity and difficulty wearing contact lenses.
It may sound strange, but increased tearing may also be a symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome in some cases. The eyes’ lacrimal glands can begin to produce excess tears to respond to the irritation that occurs when tear secretion is below normal – so, when the eye is dry, an overflow of tears can result, which disguises the basic dryness that initially caused the excessive tearing.
When should I be concerned about dry eyes?
As a general guideline, eye exams should be performed annually to check the health and wellness of your eyes. If you feel discomfort and dryness in your eyes at least once a week, or if you habitually use over-the-counter rewetting drops, you should seek help from an optometrist to screen you for dry eye syndrome.
If you are an allergy sufferer, you may be familiar with dry eyes. This is a common cause of feeling like your eyes are dry. If your normal allergy medication helps you out, then mentioning your dry eye to your eye doctor on your next visit should be enough. If your regular medications or over-the-counter remedies for your allergies do not seem to be helping your dry eyes, then scheduling an eye appointment is recommended.
If you sleep with an overhead fan on every night and find that your eyes feel dry in the mornings only, then first step would be to shut the fan off while you sleep. This is most likely the cause of your morning dry eye. For some people, a table fan not blowing on their face directly can be a good compromise to still get the air movement without drying out your eyes. If after a few days you do not see an improvement, we would again recommend scheduling an eye appointment.
If you are a contact lens wearer and find you are feeling like your eyes are more and more dry, we would first say switch to your glasses for a few days to give them a rest. You also may want to start with a fresh pair once you go back to your contacts. It is possible that your lenses are dirty, old, or have scratches that are hurting your eyes. Wearing contact lenses in dusty environments or for extended hours in a single day can lead to a dry feeling as well. Some patients find that switching to daily contacts vs monthly makes a big difference. To make this switch you will need to come have an appointment to see if this solution could work for you.
Dry Eye Syndrome can be a very frustrating and debilitating condition. If left untreated, it can lead to severe ocular disease. Some individuals can mistake the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome for allergies or infections, which makes it very important to have an eye exam as quickly as possible once the problems begin.
What are the treatments for dry eyes?
Perich Eye Center offers a variety of dry eye treatments to help patients achieve their best possible outcomes. Treatments vary on the type and severity of dry eye. Mild cases can be treated with prescription drops and oral vitamins. Chronic and severe cases require in office procedures such as Lipiflow and Blephex. These procedures are designed to unclog glands and resurface the eyelid. Think of it like getting new windshield wipers for your car and changing the fluid.
Restasis is an FDA approved medication used to decrease the inflammation associated with Dry-Eye, thus reducing signs and symptoms. Perich Eye Center also offers Xiidra, which is the latest FDA approved medication for Dry-Eye therapy that works similarly to Restasis.
What are some at home remedies for dry eye?
Of course using over-the-counter eye drops can help out for immediate relief. We do recommend if you are going to purchase these, to consider spending more to get the higher quality drops. They work better and last longer so it is a win! These drops give you that quick relief however if you find yourself using them everyday, you should go ahead and schedule an eye appointment to have your eyes looked at.
Some people find a warm compress to give great relief. Taking a facecloth and wetting it with hot water then ringing it out so that it is just moist followed by laying back in a chair or bed and placing this over your shut eyes. This is very soothing and relaxing while helping to give your eyes moisture. This is great to do upon waking up or just before bed- although try not to fall asleep like this as waking up to a cold damp clothe in your bed is not fun!
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease that affects an estimated 25 million people in the United States alone. In fact, dry eye disease is one of the most common reasons that people visit their eye care professional. The increasing prevalence of dry eye disease is precisely why Perich Eye Center is a great location for you to schedule an appointment.
