If you have felt like your eyes are dry and irritated, the problem could be dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a continuous problem for a lot of people that can give them highly annoying and uncomfortable symptoms. There are more people who suffer from this problem because one of the ways that people get it is to look at computer screens throughout the day. With more jobs requiring this, more people have been getting dry eye and might use dry eye treatment from an eye doctor. If you need an eye exam in Riverview, FL, or Tampa, FL, call us to make an appointment with an optometrist on our optometry team. We at Optics Soho are here to help.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is caused when the tear film that lubricates the front of the eye isn't adequate for keeping it moist enough. This may happen because the three layers that make up this film aren't made correctly, or it may be that the tear film isn't there in enough quantity. This can happen by the body simply not making enough of this film. It can also happen when the tear film evaporates too quickly to be replaced fast enough. Tear film can be made in too little quantity because of aging or certain health conditions that cause this. It may also be caused by specific medications. This film may also evaporate quickly from the eyes, and this can be caused by too much wind or air conditioning in the eyes. Wearing eye protection outdoors can help. Make sure that fans and vents are pointed away from your face.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Eye Redness - Visibly, your eyes may appear red when you have dry eye. This occurs due to the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye, becoming inflamed or irritated.
- Stringy Mucus - Your eye doctor will ask if you have issues with stringy mucus forming in your eyes. This happens when there isn't enough lubrication in your eye film's composition. This film protects your eye and consists of mucus, oil, and water. When you have a poor ratio of these components, particularly not enough water, your eye film becomes more mucusy.
- Scratchiness, Burning, or Stinging - Because your eyes aren't properly hydrated, they might become painful. Usually, it will feel like a burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation.
- Watery Eyes - Our eye care professionals may ask if your eyes are frequently watery. Your eyes will compensate for the inadequate lubrication by producing excessive tears to hydrate them. However, since they aren't the proper composition, your eyes will still feel dry even after they are producing excessive tears.
- Difficulty Wearing Contacts - When a person has dry eye, it is often uncomfortable for that person to wear contacts comfortably. They might notice that their eyes feel sore and look more red. If you have dry eyes and would like to wear contacts, there are options. Lenses that have more hydration can be comfortable. It is vital to tell your eye doctor if you cannot wear contacts but would like to.
- Eye Fatigue or Blurred Vision - Eye fatigue occurs when your eyes get tired. They will become sore and irritated. This tends to occur when people perform tasks that require them to focus on something up close for prolonged periods, especially at a computer screen. If you have dry eye, you are more prone to eye fatigue. You might even notice that your vision blurs.
See an Optometrist on Our Team
If you need an eye exam in (813) 643-7300 Riverview, FL, or (813) 254-2020 Tampa, FL, give us a call today to set up an appointment and get your eyes checked for dry eye. We at Optics Soho are here to help.
