Many people experience dry eye occasionally, often brushing it off as a minor inconvenience. However, what many don’t realize is that dry eyes can lead to more serious eye health issues. It’s not just about the discomfort; untreated dry eyes can permanently damage the surface of your eyes and affect your vision. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye so you can seek professional treatment. Here are some common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:
Persistent dryness
This is perhaps the most telling sign of dry eyes. This persistent dryness occurs because the eyes are not producing enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. Over time, this lack of moisture can lead to serious irritation and even permanent damage to the eye’s surface.
Redness
When your eyes are dry, they can become inflamed, leading to noticeable redness. This inflammation is your body’s natural response to stress on the eye surface and can make your eyes look bloodshot.
Burning sensation
A burning or stinging feeling in your eyes can be incredibly distracting, making it feel like you have tiny particles in there, even when you don’t. It’s not only uncomfortable but can also make it hard to concentrate on anything else.
Sensitivity to light
Dry eyes can make you more sensitive to light, causing discomfort in bright areas or when staring at screens. This occurs because the tear film can no longer help filter harsh light.
Blurry vision
If you experience blurry vision from time to time, you may think your prescription needs updating. However, the culprit could be dry eyes. Intermittent blurry vision can happen when the tear film, which helps keep the surface of the eye smooth and clear, is unstable.
Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
Did you ever experience a gritty feeling like there’s sand in your eye? It’s called “gritty eyes,” and it’s one of the most common signs of dry eyes. This feeling can make you want to blink or rub your eyes constantly, which only makes the irritation worse.
Excessive tearing
It sounds strange, but dry eyes can cause excessive tearing as your eyes try to compensate for the dryness. Unfortunately, these tears are often too watery and don’t provide the lasting relief your eyes need.
Stringy mucus around the eyes
When the tear film is compromised, the eye will often try to protect itself by producing mucus. The mucus serves as a barrier, but it can also be uncomfortable and may cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly in the morning.
Trouble wearing contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes can be very uncomfortable because your eyes don’t make enough tears to keep your contacts lubricated. Specialty contact lenses and other strategies can allow you to wear contacts without discomfort.
When to seek professional help
Artificial tears can be helpful when your eyes are dry and irritated. They provide quick relief and are available over the counter. However, they have their limitations, and they won’t treat the underlying causes of dry eye. If your dry eye symptoms persist, The Eye Center offers more advanced dry eye treatment in Pembroke Pines, such as OptiLight IPL therapy. This innovative treatment allows us to treat dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) by using gentle pulses of light to target and reduce inflammation.
If you think you have dry eyes or are experiencing discomfort, please schedule an appointment with us today. Our focus is on helping you find lasting relief with personalized solutions and the latest treatment options.
