Everyone experiences dry, itchy eyes occasionally. If symptoms persist or recur frequently, though, it’s important to determine their underlying cause so you can get effective dry eye treatment. When left untreated, dry eye syndrome is likely to progress and may eventually cause serious complications. Here, the knowledgeable team at Lexington’s Abel Klecker & Robbins explains some of the more common causes of dry eye and their most effective treatments. 

What Could Be Causing My Dry Eyes?

1. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, like allergens, wind, pollution, and dry air, can all cause itchy, dry, and red eyes. If you only experience symptoms in specific places or at certain times of the year, their cause is likely environmental. In such scenarios, the most effective dry eye treatment will simply be to avoid the triggers. When that is not an option, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide relief.

2. Medication

If you take medication on a regular basis and also happen to suffer from dry eye, review each drug’s potential side effects. Dry eye is a relatively common side effect of antihistamines, decongestants, hypertensive agents, hormones, pain relievers, and antidepressants. If it turns out drugs are responsible for your dry eye symptoms, reviewing alternative therapies with the doctor who prescribed them may be an option. Otherwise, eye drops can ease any discomfort for as long as you must take the medication. 

3. Blepharitis 

Blepharitis is essentially inflammation of the eyelid. Researchers are not entirely sure of its cause but factors that may contribute to it include allergies, bacterial infections, eyelash mites, and seborrheic dermatitis. Treating the condition and its symptoms, which include dry eye, may require topical antibiotics, steroid ointments, and prescription eye drops.  

If you need dry eye treatment, turn to Abel Klecker & Robbins in Lexington, KY. For more than 60 years, this practice has been providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Although they have a long and impressive history of providing quality care, you will not find dated equipment in their office. From day one, they have been committed to staying on top of all the latest advancements in their field. Visit their website to explore the various services they are proud to offer today, or call (859) 269-6921 to make an appointment with an experienced eye doctor.