Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and irritating, and can also impact the way you look. There are many things that can cause dry eye, so if you’re having this problem, working with your eye doctor in Tolland, CT can help you determine the cause. At Tolland Eye Care, we help patients identify and diagnose their condition, and manage their dry eye treatment.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when something disrupts the healthy tear film. There are many things that can cause dry eye, including:
- Decreased tear production
- Increased tear evaporation
- Allergic eye disease
- Hormone changes
- Autoimmune disease
- Inflamed eyelid glands
Dry Eye Treatment
Your eye doctor can treat dry eye with prescription medications. However, the first line of defense against dry eyes is often over-the-counter artificial tears. In addition, your eye doctor may perform an examination to determine the cause of your dry eyes. Some medications that your doctor may prescribe include:
- Drugs to reduce inflammation of the cornea or eyelids
- Medications that stimulate tears
- Eye inserts that dissolve to create lubrication in your eyes
Your eye doctor may also close your tear ducts to prevent unnecessary loss of tears, or prescribe contact lenses that prevent the eyes from drying out. There are other treatments as well – talk to your eye doctor to find out what can be done to prevent dry eyes.
Signs of Dry Eye
Knowing the signs of dry eye can help you determine when it’s time to see the eye doctor.
- Stinging or burning in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Sensation that you have something in your eyes
Dry Eye Prevention
Some people can control their dry eyes or avoid dry eyes all together by recognizing triggers that can cause this problem.
- Humidify the air. Dry air can exacerbate dry eyes and make it worse. Humidifying the air in your house – especially in the places where you spend the most time – can help you maintain moist, comfortable eyes.
- Wear protective eyewear. When outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from the drying effects of the sun.
- Don’t use a blow dryer. Blowing air in your face can dry your eyes quickly. If you must use a blow dryer, keep the air cool and on a low setting.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. Correcting the position of your computer screen enables you to keep your eyelids slightly closed over your eyes while you’re looking at your computer screen.
- Use artificial tears. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms of dry eye, use artificial tears on a regular basis.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor in Tolland
Dry eyes can negatively impact your quality of life as well as your eye health, but most people can combat this problem with dry eye treatment in Tolland, CT. To learn more about how you can manage your dry eye, contact Tolland Eye Care to make an appointment.
