Do you ever feel like something is stuck in your eye? Do your eyes feel scratchy or gritty? It could be a sign of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. If left untreated, dry eye can cause irritation, pain, and even vision issues. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what causes dry eye syndrome, its symptoms, and how to treat it.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome
Aging, computer use, certain medications, hormonal changes, and environmental factors like wind and low humidity are all potential causes of dry eye. People with autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome are more susceptible to dry eye. Not having enough omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can also play a role.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can cause a range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. These can include stinging, burning, itchiness, redness, blurry vision, and a gritty feeling in your eyes. It can also make it difficult for you to wear contact lenses or stare at screens for too long. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor to determine what’s causing your dry eye.
How to treat dry eye syndrome
Fortunately, there are ways to effectively manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The treatment plan will differ depending on what’s causing it and how severe it is. Using artificial tears and warm compresses can help provide relief in mild cases. If you have severe or chronic dry eye, our eye doctor can recommend the best treatment for your needs. Treatment options may include heat therapy, a deep cleaning eye treatment, or special contact lenses for dry eye.
If you’ve been struggling with gritty eyes, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Contact Avon Vision Associates in Avon, CT and New Hartford Eye Associates in New Hartford, CT today to schedule an appointment. Our eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye and offer a range of treatments to help you find relief and improve your overall eye health. Book an appointment today and start seeing comfortably again!