Have you been dealing with dry, irritated eyes and wondering what’s behind it? Dealing with dry eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent issue. By understanding the common causes and symptoms of dry eyes and seeking professional treatment at Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth, Michigan, you can find relief and improve your overall eye health.
Common causes of dry eyes
Dry eye can happen for many reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
Environmental factors
Living in Michigan, you might experience dry eyes due to environmental conditions. Cold, windy weather and indoor heating during the winter months can dry out your eyes. Even air conditioning in the summer can remove moisture from the air and your eyes. Using a humidifier can help relieve dryness and discomfort by adding moisture to the air.
Screen time
Whether it’s your computer, phone, or TV, too much screen time can make you blink less often, which means fewer tears and drier eyes. Remember to take frequent breaks from screens to give your eyes a chance to rest. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Aging
As we age, our bodies naturally make fewer tears. This is especially true for people over 50. Hormonal changes, particularly in post-menopausal women, can also lead to drier eyes.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production and lead to dry eyes. Additionally, conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can block the oil glands, reducing tear quality.
Medications
Many medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect. These include antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.
Contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can absorb the moisture in your eyes, leading to dryness and discomfort. Proper lens care and taking breaks from your contacts can help prevent this issue.
Common symptoms of dry eyes
Dry eye can be mild to severe and cause a range of symptoms, including:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing: Surprisingly, dry eyes can cause your eyes to produce too many tears as a reflex, but these tears don’t stay on the eye long enough to provide relief.
- Mucus in or around the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
When to see an eye doctor
If your symptoms persist or appear to be getting worse, it’s time to see an eye doctor. While artificial tears and home remedies can provide temporary relief in many cases, specialized treatment is often required to treat the underlying causes. At Progressive Family Eye Care, our dry eye specialist in Plymouth will evaluate your symptoms, identify the root cause, and recommend the best treatment options for you. We provide advanced treatments to provide relief and restore comfort to your eyes:
- iLux® treatment: iLux® targets the root cause of dry eyes by gently warming and clearing out the glands in your eyelids. This helps improve the quality of your tears and brings long-lasting relief.
- BlephEx® treatment: BlephEx® is a deep-cleaning treatment for your eyelids and lashes. It removes debris and bacteria that can cause dry eyes and other issues. This treatment helps keep your eyelids healthy and your eyes comfortable.
- OptiLight IPL therapy: OptiLight uses light-based technology to treat dry eyes. It reduces inflammation, improves tear quality, and provides long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
If you’re tired of dealing with dry, itchy, irritated eyes, schedule an appointment with Progressive Family Eye Care today. Let us help you see the world clearly and comfortably again!