Dry Eye
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Dry eye can be a highly irritating and painful condition, but it’s also a very common one. There are so many causes of this condition that many people suffer from it, either chronically or from time to time. You can get dry eye treatment from the eye doctor when you need it. If you think you have dry eye syndrome, you need an eye exam as part of your dry eye care. Call Alice Family Eye Center in Alice, TX, to see our optometrist about your eye condition.
Dry Eye Causes
The basic cause behind dry eye is a problem with the tear film that sits on the outside front area of the eye. This film is highly protective and lubricating, and it should be present in sufficient quantity and with sufficient quality. It’s important to have each of the three layers of tear film in the right amounts, and it’s important to have enough of it. If either of these isn’t true, it results in dry eye. Dry eye is often caused simply by aging and having proper quality tear film. There are some people who have a genetic predisposition to developing dry eye. There are also medications, like allergy medications, that can cause it. Diabetes is another cause.
Other people get it because something happens to cause the film to dry out far too quickly to be replaced. This can happen because of spending time in an area that is far too air-conditioned or having a fan or vent that is pointed so that wind goes into the eyes. If you spend time outdoors, you can be subject to the wind there as well and should wear sunglasses as part of your dry eye care. If you spend a number of hours a day at the computer, this can also cause it. It causes your eyes not to blink as often, and this allows the tear film to dry out.
Symptoms to Watch for
If you have eyes that are tired, strained, and fatigued, it may be dry eye. You might also have your eyes overcompensate and start to water. Strings of mucus on or around the eyes are also common. Red eyes and blurry vision can be symptoms, as can eye soreness and pain. You may have a gritty feeling like something is in your eye all the time.
Get Dry Eye Care
There are treatments available to relieve dry eye. You will need an eye exam from our eye doctor at Alice Family Eye Center to have the condition diagnosed and treated. To see our optometrist for dry eye treatment, call our Alice, TX, office today.
Dry Eye FAQs
Dry eye is an eye condition that can greatly affect the way your eyes feel and it can even affect your eyesight. Dry eye is a highly common condition that is treatable with help from an optometrist. If you think you might have dry eye, it’s time to see an eye doctor for an eye exam and treatment for the condition. If you are experiencing dry eye and live in or around Alice, contact Alice Family Eye Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garza. Let’s look at some of the common questions that we run into regarding dry eye syndrome.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is what happens to the eyes when there isn’t enough tear film on the surface of the eye to lubricate it. It can also happen when the tear film is present but wasn’t made properly. This protective layer is made up of three layers, and all three have to be there in the right amounts for you to have healthy tear film. Many things can lead to this film being made poorly or making the tear film evaporate from the eyes too quickly.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Many causes can lead to a patient developing this condition. Among them is aging. This is a common cause where the tear film isn’t made in enough abundance as you get older. Dry eye can also be caused by being in a room that has a large fan running or is overly air-conditioned.
Other activities that bring wind to your eyes, such as biking, can also cause it. It can also develop when you’re taking certain medications such as allergy medications. Having diabetes is another cause. Some people get dry eye simply because the air is dry, especially in the winter. Looking at a computer screen for many hours can also be the cause.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
There are several ways to treat dry eye. These include both home remedies to relieve symptoms and treatments from an optometrist. When an eye doctor determines that you have dry eye, you will likely be given a prescription for specialty eye drops that fight dry eye. You can also get eye drops over the counter that will help a little when your eyes are sore or painful. You can also use a humidifier in your home to help your tear film remain in place.
Visit Our Eye Doctor in Alice, TX
If you have dry eye symptoms and live in or around Alice, contact Alice Family Eye Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garza. There are a variety of treatments that can help reduce and eliminate your symptoms. Call our team today at (361) 668-3937 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.