Dry eye can be a highly irritating and painful condition, but it's also a very common one. There are so many causes of this condition that many people suffer from it, either chronically or from time to time. You can get dry eye treatment from the eye doctor when you need it. If you think you have dry eye syndrome, you need an eye exam as part of your dry eye care. Call Alice Family Eye Center in Alice, TX, to see our optometrist about your eye condition.
Dry Eye Causes
The basic cause behind dry eye is a problem with the tear film that sits on the outside front area of the eye. This film is highly protective and lubricating, and it should be present in sufficient quantity and with sufficient quality. It's important to have each of the three layers of tear film in the right amounts, and it's important to have enough of it. If either of these isn't true, it results in dry eye. Dry eye is often caused simply by aging and having proper quality tear film. There are some people who have a genetic predisposition to developing dry eye. There are also medications, like allergy medications, that can cause it. Diabetes is another cause.
Other people get it because something happens to cause the film to dry out far too quickly to be replaced. This can happen because of spending time in an area that is far too air-conditioned or having a fan or vent that is pointed so that wind goes into the eyes. If you spend time outdoors, you can be subject to the wind there as well and should wear sunglasses as part of your dry eye care. If you spend a number of hours a day at the computer, this can also cause it. It causes your eyes not to blink as often, and this allows the tear film to dry out.
Symptoms to Watch for
If you have eyes that are tired, strained, and fatigued, it may be dry eye. You might also have your eyes overcompensate and start to water. Strings of mucus on or around the eyes are also common. Red eyes and blurry vision can be symptoms, as can eye soreness and pain. You may have a gritty feeling like something is in your eye all the time.
Get Dry Eye Care
There are treatments available to relieve dry eye. You will need an eye exam from our eye doctor at Alice Family Eye Center to have the condition diagnosed and treated. To see our optometrist for dry eye treatment, call our Alice, TX, office today.
