What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common condition in which a person does not produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for providing clear vision and keeping our eyes healthy.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
- Dry Sensation
- Scratchy, Gritty Feeling
- Burning or Stinging sensation
- Itching
- Fluctuating or Blurry vision
- Excess tearing or watery eyes
- Mucous discharge
- Irritation from wind or smoke
- Redness
- Tired Eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lense discomfort
- Eye Lid Infections/Styes
Causes of Dry Eye
- People tend to produce fewer tears as they get older due to hormonal changes.
- Staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
- Certain medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and beta-blockers can reduce tear production.
- Activities that reduce blinking
- Prolonged contact lense use
- Refractive eye surgery such as LASIK
- Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, and thyroid disease.
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Eye Lid Margin Disease
- Over the counter eye drops
