Tears may have a strong association with sadness, but they certainly make eyes happy. Specifically, tears produced by the lacrimal gland contain oils, mucus, and water to effectively clean and lubricate your corneas. But, when your tears stop flowing, your vision may quickly grow uncomfortable due to a condition that’s known as dry eye. To help shed light on this incredibly common condition, Dr. L R Gabe — a vision care specialist in Show Low, AZ — addresses a few important things to know about dry eye.

Simple Guide to Dry Eye

What Are the Symptoms?

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe, usually dependent on how long the problem has gone on. Typical symptoms include an itching, burning, or stinging sensation in the eye. You may also notice visual signs, such as redness or a mucus-like discharge.

What Causes the Problem?

There are many reasons why your lacrimal gland may fail to produce enough tears. Often, individuals over the age of 50 will experience the problem, as tear production decreases with age. The condition may also occur as a result of allergies, lack of sleep, or decreased blinking — such as when you stare at a screen for too long. Some may also develop dryness as a side effect of certain medications or from smoking cigarettes.

Are There Any Risks?

In addition to temporary pain and discomfort, dry eye can be dangerous for overall vision care. For example, many people with the condition will experience blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. And, without proper lubrication, your eyes can become more susceptible to corneal scratches and bacterial infection.

How Can You Treat It?

The best type of treatment for dry eye depends on the severity of the condition and how long it’s been affecting you. Temporary cases can often be resolved with the use of over-the-counter eye drops, rest, and humidifier use. However, if your symptoms are chronic, you will need to visit a vision care provider to discuss other possible solutions, such as prescription medications, surgery, and gland-stimulating devices.

Living with dry eye can be difficult; but, finding the solution can be easy when you’re a patient of Dr. L R Gabe. Located in Show Low, AZ, this trusted eye doctor offers comprehensive services to comfortably diagnose and treat conditions that may impact your sight. To learn more about his advanced vision care services, visit Dr. Gabe’s clinic online. You can also call a friendly team member at (928) 537-5565 to schedule a convenient eye exam at his welcoming optometry office.