Dry Eye
If your eyes have felt dry and irritated lately, there is a chance that you have dry eye. This condition is common and it can be caused by a variety of conditions. You need to schedule an eye exam if you think you are suffering from dry eye. If you live in or around Arlington Heights or Barrington, contact Dr. Lomazov at AssureVision to book an appointment.
Causes of Dry Eye
Many things can cause dry eye and you may have more than one cause. Simply getting older can cause dry eye. As we get older, our eyes no longer make good-quality tear film and the eyes are not well-lubricated because of it. It can also be caused by several medications, including many antidepressants, allergy medications, and virtually all immunosuppressants.
Dry eye can be caused by several medical conditions such as high blood pressure, certain thyroid conditions, and diabetes. It can also be caused by spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen. When you look at a digital screen for long hours, you will blink less often, and this means that the tear film will evaporate too fast.
The Elements
One of the biggest causes of dry eye is dry air. That is why so many people develop dry eye in the winter when the air is drier. When the air is too dry, it will take the moisture out of your eyes, leaving them dry and uncomfortable. The wind can also lead to dry eye. When it blows in the eyes regularly, it can cause the same dryness and lack of tear film. Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help keep the wind away from your eyes so that that doesn't happen.
Treating Dry Eye
If you develop dry eye, there are several ways to treat the condition. Many types of eye drops can help and some of them can only be prescribed by an optometrist. There are also a few over-the-counter eye drops that can help you find relief. Furthermore, you can use a humidifier at home to add water to the air so that your tear film doesn't evaporate too quickly. This can help ease your symptoms while the humidifier is running. Run humidifiers in multiple rooms so that the air in your home is well-moisturized.
Schedule an Eye Exam at AssureVision
If you have dry, red, irritated eyes and suspect that it could be dry eye, Dr. Lomazov at AssureVision is here to help. We will perform a thorough eye exam and provide an effective solution to relieve your eye pain and support the healing process. If you live in or around Arlington Heights or Barrington and would like to book an appointment with our eye doctor, call our team today or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
