Dry Eye Syndrome is a relatively common occurrence. Usually caused when there are not enough tears in your eyes to keep your eyes lubricated. The tears in your eyes may be evaporating too quickly or enough tears are not being produced. This common eye condition, which is not very serious, often occurs in both eyes and causes a number of symptoms. Most of which can quickly become very irritating and impact daily activities. Here we take a look at this common eye condition and how it can be prevented and treated.
The symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome are:
- Itchy eyes
- Sore eyes
- Gritty eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurry eyes
- sensitivity to light
- Your eyes are more watery than normal
The causes of dry eyes
The symptoms listed above are caused by a lack of lubrication in your eyes. There are a number of reasons as to why your eyes are not producing enough tears. The most common reasons include:
- There are a number of vision problems which include dry eyes as a symptom
- Exposure to dry or windy conditions like air-conditioning or heating within the home
- Wearing contact lenses for long periods of time
- Spending long hours looking at a screen and not taking enough breaks
- Some medications cite dry eyes as a side effect
If you ignore the symptoms of dry eye and choose not to treat this, either at home or via an Optician, the symptoms can become very uncomfortable. Potentially causing scarring to the surface of the eye and inflammation.
Prevention and treatment of dry eyes
It is important to always consider both prevention and treatment for common eye conditions. Where a condition such as dry eye can be prevented, certain measures should be taken to do so, in order to prevent the uncomfortable symptoms and need for treatment.
Unfortunately for those who spend hours working at computer screens, dry eye can be difficult to avoid. As professional Opticians we will always offer the best advice for preventing eye conditions. It is best to take breaks where possible to avoid extended periods of time staring at screens. If you don’t already wear lenses or glasses, but notice frequently dry eye symptoms or eye fatigue, it is time to book a consultation with an Optometrist who can assess your eye health and write you a prescription for eyeglasses.
Where treatment is necessary this can be done using a number of different solutions. Lubricant treatments can be used to treat mild or moderate occurrences, or there are more long-lasting solutions available if required. Speaking with an Optician or Pharmacist is the best way to receive advice and guidance on treating your dry eyes at home.
Dry eyes treatment at Camden Opticians Group
If you are suffering from dry eyes, it’s important to get in touch and book an appointment for an eye examination. Our team can take a look at your symptoms and discuss the different treatment options for you. We wouldn’t want anyone to suffer with the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye. Get in touch today for treatment options and more from our services.