Do your eyes constantly feel dry and irritated or like there’s sand in them? If so, you may be suffering from dry eye. While dry eye is a common issue, not all cases of dry eye are the same.
Dry eye can be a short-term issue, or it can develop into a chronic condition that affects your quality of life and may even cause vision problems. If you’re struggling with dry eye, you may be wondering if you should see an eye doctor or if it will go away on its own. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the difference between temporary and chronic dry eye and share tips for finding relief.
Temporary dry eye
Temporary dry eye is usually caused by environmental factors, such as staring at screens for extended periods, intense heat, dry air, smoking, or wearing contact lenses for too long. These are all factors that can irritate the eyes and lead to dryness. Fortunately, temporary dry eye typically goes away on its own once you remove or address the cause. In most cases, using over-the-counter eye drops can help to lubricate your eyes and provide immediate relief.
Chronic dry eye
Chronic dry eye, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment and professional care. It happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the quality of the tears is poor. Common causes of chronic dry eye include aging, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal changes.
Chronic dry eye symptoms can include eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and difficulty with daily activities such as reading or driving. If you have chronic dry eye, your symptoms are unlikely to go away on their own, and you may need to consider using prescription eye drops or other treatments to effectively manage your symptoms.
Finding relief from dry eye
If you’re dealing with dry eye, there are a few things you can do to find relief. Applying cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can also be helpful, especially if your dry eye is temporary.
If you have severe or chronic dry eye, it’s important to see an optometrist to find out what’s causing your dry eye. At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, our team of eye doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of your dry eye and recommend the most suitable treatment for your unique case. Whether you need prescription eye drops, light therapy, or scleral lenses, our team is here to help you find the right treatment for your needs. Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you find relief.