You don’t produce tears only to express sadness. Tears also lubricate the eyes with enzymes and electrolytes to keep them healthy. If your eyes don’t manufacture enough tears, you could experience discomfort and vision problems. Depending on the cause of dryness, an optometrist may recommend various remedies to provide relief. Here’s what you should know.

3 Signs of Dry Eye

1. Itchiness

When the amount of fluid that flows from tear ducts to lubricate your eyes is insufficient, your eyes may frequently itch. The sensation of dry eye—often more intense in the inner corners—is different from allergy-related irritation, which is usually accompanied by discharge.

Tell an optometrist about different medications you’re taking. Some antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications contain ingredients that compromise tear production. To supplement for the lack of real tears, an eye care professional may recommend using artificial tears. 

2. Redness 

Bloodshot eyes, a symptom of dryness, could be the result of an underlying medical issue, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation can affect the flow of fluid from tear-producing glands. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may experience redness and itchiness late in the day.

An optometrist will advise you to speak with your primary care physician about arthritis-related dry eyes. A doctor may advise you to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce arthritis inflammation to lessen the symptoms of dry eye. 

3. Stinging 

Smoking cigarettes and exposure to smoke not only puts you at risk for developing cancer but also makes tears evaporate faster. Smoke leaves eyes stinging, making them feel as if an eyelash or a speck of dust is stuck under the lid. Quitting smoking will restore normal eye lubrication.  

If you suffer from dry eye, Brunswick Optical | Matthew D. Grucella O.D. is eager to diagnose the cause and discuss treatment options. Based in Brunswick, OH, this optometrist has served patients throughout northeastern Ohio since 2019, providing thorough eye exams, convenient walk-in service, and a selection of frames by high-fashion designers, including Burberry® and Longchamp. To inquire about the brands they carry, dial (330) 741-3407. For more information about their practice and how they’ll help protect your ocular health, follow them on Facebook.