When you have a dry feeling in your eyes, you might be suffering from dry eye syndrome. This is a common condition that can be caused by a range of things from medical conditions to your lifestyle. If you think you might have dry eye, it's important to see an optometrist for a full eye exam. At The Eye Doctor Unlimited in College Park, Dr. McFerren can tell you if you have the condition and provide treatment for it. Let’s look at a few questions that we run into regarding dry eye.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which your eyes either have tear film that is not made correctly or your body simply isn't making enough of it. The tear film is a three-layer substance that coats the fronts of your eyes. When this isn't there with enough quality of quantity, it leaves your eyes uncomfortable and vulnerable to a variety of problems. Dry eye can greatly affect your daily life, but there are ways to treat it so that you can be more comfortable.
What Are the Causes of Dry Eye?
There are several reasons that dry eye can develop in a patient. Many medications can cause dry eye as a side effect, including many allergy medications and antidepressants. There are also a variety of medication conditions that can cause it, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also be caused by aging. As we get older, our bodies stop making as much tear film. You might also develop dry eye because you spend a lot of time at the computer, in front of a fan, or a room with a lot of air-conditioning.
What Are Some Dry Eye Symptoms?
Feeling that your eyes are often dry is a key symptom, but there are more. You may experience eyes that burn, sting, feel gritty, or are sore or painful. You might have eyes that turn red or experience blurry vision. Patients with dry eye often experience headaches, eye strain, and eye fatigue. It's also common to have mucus strings in the eye as well as watery eyes. If you often feel like there's something in your eye, this can also be a sign of the condition.
See Our Optometrist in College Park, GA
If you have dry eye syndrome, you need professional treatment. Contact The Eye Doctor Unlimited to make your eye exam appointment with Dr. McFerren to get your diagnosis and treatment for the condition. Call our team today at (404) 768-3500 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.