Tears keep the eye moist, help wounds heal, and protect against eye infections. If you are suffering from dry eye, the eye produces less quality and quantity of tears and is unable to keep its surface lubricated and comfortable.
As we age, our eyes usually produce fewer tears. Also, in some cases, tears cannot remain long enough to keep the eye adequately lubricated. Other than aging, this can be due to some medical conditions, or even medications you are taking.
The main symptom of dry eye is usually a scratchy or sandy feeling as if something is in the eye. Other symptoms may include stinging or burning of the eye; excess tearing that follow periods of very dry sensation; a discharge or pain and redness of the eye. Sometimes people with dry eye experience heaviness of the eyelids or blurred, changing, or decreased vision, although loss of vision is rare.
Artificial tears, which lubricate the eye, are the principal treatment for dry eye, but for many do not work well. Humidifiers, protective glasses, and avoiding outside windy and excessively dry conditions may bring relief. For people with more severe cases of dry eye, temporary or permanent closure of the tear drain (small openings at the inner corner of the eyelids where tears drain from the eye) is often helpful and painless.
If you are suffering from dry eye, contact Haller Eye Center today.
