Dry eyes are a debilitating condition that can cause significant discomfort to sufferers. It is also the most common type of dry eye syndrome, affecting around 10-15% of the population. Dry eye syndromes are classified as either being due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. The former is often due to autoimmune disease, while the latter usually results from contact lens usage.
The diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes in Maitland have become a lot easier with experienced and knowledgeable ophthalmologists in the city. Consulting with an expert ophthalmologist will help you easily diagnose the condition and provide efficient treatment for easy recovery.
Let us now see more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dry eyes.
Table of Contents
Causes of Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that describes a feeling of dryness or discomfort in the eyes. It can be caused by several factors, including the natural aging process, a chronic health condition such as diabetes, environmental factors such as wind and sun, and some medications. It is more prevalent among those who have allergies and asthma, but it can be caused by other factors such as extreme weather conditions and air quality.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Many people suffer from dry eyes but don’t know how to properly care for them. Dry eye syndrome can cause pain and discomfort in your eyes and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision.
Here are some common symptoms of dry eyes:
- Reddish eyes
- Itchiness in eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Sore eyes
Diagnosis of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist. This can result in discomfort and blurry vision. The cause can be from systemic illnesses such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases like lupus, but the most common culprits are environmental factors such as air conditioning and computer screens. There are many different types of dry eyes; all dry eyes share the same symptom of decreased tear production. There are tests to diagnose dry eyes such as fluorescein staining, rose bengal staining, and Schirmer’s test.
Treatment of Dry Eyes
The most common treatment for dry eyes in adults is artificial tears. Artificial tears are a lubricant that reduces dryness by supplementing the natural tear film. Other treatment options for dry eyes include:
- Warm compresses
- Eyelid massage
- Eye drops to stimulate tear production
- Blocking tear ducts
- Eyelid cleaners
- Surgery to close tear ducts