Everyone experiences dry eyes from time to time and the itching and burning that comes with it. Environmental causes, such as pollen, dust, or wind may be to blame, but if you have chronic dry eyes a visit to your eye doctor may be in order. This condition can lead to more serious ones if left untreated. Dr. Brett K. Radow in Spencer, WV, treats dry eyes and shares the common causes and treatment options for it in the sections below.

Causes

Dry eyes result from a dysfunction of the tears created by the various parts of the eye. You make tears to deal with irritants and to keep the eye lubricated and moist. Tears have three components: lipid, aqueous, and mucus. If there is a lack or absence of one of these parts, tears cannot effectively protect the eyes, and dryness and irritation may result. In addition, lifestyle, health, or environmental factors may exacerbate dry eyes, such as:

• Excessive computer use or screen time
• Wind, dust, pollen, or other environmental allergens
• Antihistamine use
• Age (dry eye is more prevalent in older adults)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormone changes such as during menopause or pregnancy
• Contact lenses

Actual deformation or injury to the tear ducts is rarer but may be present. Your eye doctor will be able to determine if this is the case.

Treatment

Visit your eye doctor first to determine what the cause of your dry eyes may be, before reaching for the Visine®. You may be prescribed eye drops or, if you wear contacts, your optometrist may suggest switching to glasses. Over-the-counter eye drops and artificial tears may be sufficient, especially if your dry eyes are seasonal. Take breaks from computer use and consider computer glasses to reduce eye fatigue and irritation. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A support the eyes, so add carrots, broccoli, fish such as salmon and tuna, and walnuts to your diet.

Dry eye and its symptoms are common, but should not be ignored. If you need an eye doctor, visit Dr. Brett K. Radow in Spencer, WV. He treats glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye, and offers eye exams. Call (304) 927-5112 to make an appointment or visit his website to learn more about his services.