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The eyes need to have a certain amount of moisture to lubricate their surface and keep them free of irritants. Without it, you may experience inflammation and discomfort. Below is an introduction to dry eye, its causes and symptoms, and some eye care tips to prevent and treat it.

Causes & Types

Dryness is caused by the eyes' inability to produce adequate amounts of tears. Alternatively, they might not high-quality enough. Tears are comprised of water, oily components, and mucous-like components. When there is an imbalance in the production of any of these elements, the tears don't have the necessary ingredients to cleanse and lubricate the eye. Aging, certain medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, environmental factors such as dry air and excessive wind, and medications like antihistamines can all cause dry eyes.

Keratitis sicca is the medical term for dryness of the cornea. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca describes dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye. Dysfunctional tear syndrome is a condition in which the quality of the tears, not the quantity, is compromised.

Symptoms

The main symptom of dry eye is dry, itchy, burning, or stinging eyes. Mucous may accumulate near the lid. The eyes can be sensitive to light, and wearing contact lenses can be uncomfortable. The eyes often feel sore, heavy, and tired.

Prevention & Treatment

eye careTo prevent this condition, follow good eye care practices. Don't blow air directly into the eyes. If you have dry air in your home, use a humidifier to put more moisture into the environment. Blink often, and take frequent breaks from tasks that require up-close scrutiny to avoid overtaxing your eyes.

An eye care professional will devise a treatment plan if your dry eye becomes disruptive. There are medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the eyelids, as well as medications to stimulate tear production. Eye drops can reduce corneal inflammation. If artificial tears don't provide relief, a doctor can prescribe eye inserts that dissolve in the eye and lubricate it.

 

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, always visit an optometrist to identify the cause of the issue and the most appropriate treatment. Matthew H. Lipparelli, OD has been serving the Elko County, NV, area since 1991. He offers a variety of eye care services, including exams, eye disease treatment, glasses, and contact lenses. Call (775) 753-5353 or visit his website to schedule an appointment.

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