It’s normal for your eyes to feel dry and itchy once in a while, but they shouldn’t feel so all of the time. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with your dry eyes. AssureVision in Arlington Heights and Barrington, IL, list the facts about dry eye that you need to know.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye, which is called that even if you experience symptoms in both eyes, is usually caused by one of two reasons. Either your eyes cannot make enough tears, or your tears are evaporating too quickly. Either way, it causes eyes to be drier than usual, making them painful and irritated.
Are There Medical Conditions That Cause Dry Eye?
Medical conditions known to contribute to dry eye include:
- Skin diseases
- Eyelid diseases such as meibomian gland dysfunction
- Diseases of the autoimmune system such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Diabetes
Getting an eye exam can help diagnose these conditions so treatment can begin right away.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Sore eyes or other eye pain
- Feeling as if something is constantly in your eye
- Red eyes
- Being unable to wear contact lenses
- Eyelids that feel heavier than usual
- Inability to read, sew, or work on the computer
If these symptoms persist, contact our eye doctor for an eye exam.
Why Do Women Get Dry Eye More Than Men?
Women are twice as likely to get dry eye because of the huge hormonal changes that go on during pregnancy and menopause. Still, the National Institutes of Health estimate that there are about 1.5 million men in America with dry eye, so men still need to get their eyes checked if they have persistent dry eye.
Dry Eye Treatment in Arlington Heights, IL, and Barrington, IL
At AssureVision, we have been providing residents of Arlington Heights, IL, and Barrington, IL with reliable eye care services for many years. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye. Our optometrist will assess your condition to determine the root cause of your condition before recommending treatment options accordingly. Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
