If you’re experiencing eye dryness, irritation, or itchiness, it could be due to dry eye syndrome. Although dry eye is a common eye ailment, it can be quite irritating and may even lower your quality of life. At Eyecare Professionals, serving Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND, we offer viable solutions to dry eye syndrome to restore your eye health and protect your eyes. These FAQs from your optometrist near you explain more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dry eye syndrome.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your eyes stop producing enough tears or enough quality tears to keep them moist. This results in dry, itchy, sore eyes.
What causes dry eye?
Age is a major cause of dry eye as your eyes produce fewer tears as you grow older. Tear production can also be impacted by environmental conditions, certain types of medications, and certain autoimmune diseases. If you use contact lenses, spend a lot of time on digital devices, or have had eye surgery, you’re at greater risk of developing dry eye. Our eye doctor can diagnose this condition through an eye exam, so you can get dry eye relief.
What are some common dry eye symptoms?
Dry eye symptoms range from dry, itchy eyes to eye redness and fatigue to a burning sensation in your eyes. Your eye glands may also produce excessive tears to compensate for the dryness, causing your eyes to water all day long. If you’re having trouble with dry eye, contact your optometrist near you to learn more about our dry eye treatments.
Can dry eye damage your eyes?
Severe dry eye puts you at greater risk of eye infections due to lack of moisture to cleanse your eyes. You’re also at risk of corneal abrasions and possible visual damage from foreign objects entering your eye.
How is dry eye treated?
Mild cases of dry eye respond well to artificial tears. For more severe cases, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to lubricate your eyes. Changing medications, wearing protective eyewear outdoors, and restricting your use of digital devices can also be helpful in reducing dry eye symptoms. After a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can recommend the best treatment for you.
Contact Eyecare Professionals for Dry Eye Treatment
To schedule a consultation for dry eye diagnosis and treatment, contact your optometrist near you from Eyecare Professionals in Hazen at 701-748-6533, Mandan at 701-663-2020, or Washburn, ND at 701-462-8636.
