Dry Eye Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What exactly is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome, simply known as dry eye, occurs when the eye cannot produce tears appropriately, or when the tear evaporates very quickly. Inflammation along the surface of the eye is also a related problem. Leaving it untreated can lead to problems such as ulcers, pain, scars on cornea and sometimes even loss of vision. Here are some of the symptoms and causes of it as highlighted by the leading eye doctors in Albuquerque:

Symptoms:

The common symptoms of dry eye include the following:

1. Burning or stinging in the eye
2. Pain and redness of the eye
3. Eye fatigue
4. Feeling as if something is in the eye
5. Frequent occurrences of blurred vision
6. Contact lenses being uncomfortable
7. Heavy eyelids
8. Inability to cry
9. A Stringy discharge from the eye

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome:

There are several causes of dry eye and it can either be a temporary or a chronic condition. Some of them include:

1. Occurrence of skin diseases on or around the eyelid area
2. Certain medications such as tranquilizers, blood pressure medicines, anti-depressants, birth control pills, nasal decongestants create side effects that shall include dry eye.
3. Dry eye can sometimes occur in pregnant women
4. Excessive dosages of vitamins can lead to dry eye
5. Dry eye might also be caused by exposure keratitis, wherein the eyelids remain partially open while asleep.
6. Infrequent blinking while staring at computer or video screens might lead to dry eye
7. Homeopathic treatments can instigate dry eye problems.
8. Dry eye can also be a symptom of chronic conjunctivitis that is caused by some eye diseases, exposure to chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and infection.
9. Immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome can also lead to dry eye. Sjogren’s syndrome might cause inflammation and dryness of the mouth while also affecting the lungs, kidneys and blood vessels.
10. If the eyelids are opened too widely after a cosmetic surgery, or if the surface area of the eye has increased, dry eye can be a result.

Treatment:

A proficient optometrist in Albuquerque will first identify your symptoms, after which the method of treatment is decided. Some of the approaches include:

Cyclosporine is a prescription drug offered to treat dry eye. A regular dosage will reduce the symptoms and increases basic tear production. Other treatment methods include recommending a different contact lens (if the problem is caused by contact lens wear), performing surgery, or suggesting supplements etc.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of dry eye, wait no further and visit an experienced optometrist in Albuquerque. An optometrist can better analyze your situation and offer customized treatment for you to resolve the same.

A Little about Accent on Vision Albuquerque:

Accent on Vision has a team of experienced eye doctors in Albuquerque to provide high quality, professional and specialized optometric services including laser vision consultation, visual field testing, visual acuity, internal & external health of the eye, contact lens evaluation & corneal topography, cataract evaluation & co-management, optomap & ocular pressures. To know more, visit https://accentonvisionabq.com/ or Call 505.898.4884. Location: 9131 High Assets Way NW, Abq, NM – 87120