Dry Eyes and What You Can Do About Them

Dry eye is a common condition that can occur for a number of different reasons. Even though anyone can experience dry eye, it is important to note, people who experience dry eye on a regular basis need to visit an optometrist to have their eyes evaluated. Here at North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park, our eye doctor is stressing the importance of following up on symptoms of dry eye and is educating people on the hazards associated with the condition.

Varying Causes

Decreased basal tear production and an imbalance of the substances that make up tears are the most common causes of dry eye. Certain medical conditions related to the thyroid gland, autoimmune disorders and inflammatory skin diseases like rosacea are known to produce symptoms associated with dry eye. Some people experience dry eye as the result of taking some types of prescription drugs. In addition, environmental factors like chemicals in the air, wind, and smoke serve as irritants and can cause the eyes to dry out. Dry eye is often gender-specific, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can make women more susceptible to the condition than men.

Dry Eye Symptoms

The symptoms associated with dry eye can appear in either one or both eyes. A lot of people who experience a drying of the eyes describe feeling like they have something in their eyes, while others describe scratchy, burning sensations in their eyes. Other symptoms associated with dry eyes include: redness of the eyes, light sensitivity, issues relating to nighttime driving, eye fatigue, blurry vision, watery eyes, the development of mucus around or inside of the eyes and some people find it difficult to wear their contacts.

How to Alleviate Your Symptoms

If you are dealing with the discomfort associated with dry eyes, there are a number of things you can do. Wear sunglasses or visual shields to help protect your eyes from environmental elements like the wind and rain during sports activities like jogging or even walking. Make sure you allow your eyes ample time to rest when working on projects that require you to use your computer and handheld electronics for an extended time. Should you experience chronic drying of the eyes, you need to seek the counsel of an optometry professional. Give us a call here at North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert, to schedule an appointment to have your eyes examined today at 707-584-7294.