A common condition among many, dry eye disease is when your tears cannot provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Whether it’s because you don’t produce enough tears or it’s because you produce poor-quality tears, tear instability can result in inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.
About 16 million Americans suffer from dry eye disease, according to the National Eye Institute. Dry eyes are characterized by itchy eyes that burn or feel scratchy, and these conditions can be exacerbated in certain situations such as staring at a computer screen for a long period of time or riding a bike outside.
No matter what the situation, dry eyes can impact your comfort, vision, and quality of life. At Broberg Eye Care, our experienced team is dedicated to helping patients understand the condition, identify the root causes, and develop a personalized treatment plan that works.
Today we’ll talk about what dry eye syndrome is, common causes, treatments, and lifestyle tips so you can manage symptoms effectively.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Defined
Tears are important in maintaining eye health and clear vision. They comprise three layers: oil, water, and mucus, and each one plays a role in keeping your eyes moist and protected. But with dry eye syndrome (AKA dry eye disease), the eyes don’t produce enough tears or they have a poor quality and can’t adequately lubricate the eye’s surface.
Symptoms can include:
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Blurred vision
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue, particularly after screen use
Are you experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis? It’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at our Austin TX office.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Common Causes
A variety of environmental, medical, and lifestyle-related factors can lead to dry eyes. Common causes include:
1. Age
As we age, tear production naturally decreases as we get on in years. As such, dry eye is more common in people over 50.
2. Contact Lens Use
Long-term use of contact lenses may disrupt the tear film, leading to discomfort or dryness.
3. Screen Time
Prolonged use of digital devices such as smart phones, computers, and tablets may reduce your blink rate, resulting in faster tear evaporation.
4. Medications
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, and birth control pills, can all lower tear production.
5. Environmental Conditions
Austin residents are often exposed to allergens, dry air, sun, and wind, which can all cause dry eye symptoms.
6. Medical Conditions
Autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus may affect the efficiency of the glands responsible for tear production.
7. Hormonal Changes
Tear production in women can be altered by hormonal imbalances, particularly during menopause.
8. Eye Surgeries
Procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery may affect tear production.
Dry Eye Treatments
Dry eye syndrome is manageable, especially when you are diagnosed early and receive the right care. Here’s a look at the many treatment options available to you:
1. Artificial Tears & Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops offer affordable, temporary relief by supplementing your natural tear film and reducing inflammation. For more serious cases, your doctor may recommend prescription drops such as corticosteroids, Restasis® or Xiidra.
2. Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and using a humidifier can all help to reduce symptoms.
3. Artificial Tear Inserts
LACRISERT®, an artificial tear insert, is worn just like a contact lens, but is inserted into the eye once or twice daily. These inserts contain cellulose to thicken and stabilize the tear film.
4. Punctal Occlusion
Where there aren’t enough tears on the eye’s surface, the doctor can perform something called a punctal occlusion. The punctae, small openings near the inner corner of your eyelids, act as the start of your natural tear drainage system. A punctal occlusion procedure will plug up these openings so your tears stay on the ocular surface longer. In turn, this keeps the eyes moist and comfortable. It only takes a few minutes and can be done right here in our office.
Lifestyle Tips: How to Manage Dry Eye at Home
You can make better lifestyle choices at home that support eye health. Here are some suggestions:
- Drink plenty of water to support overall body and eye hydration.
- Use a humidifier.
- Take breaks from screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain and encourage blinking.
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun exposure.
- Gently wash your eyelids and lashes daily to remove debris and reduce inflammation of the oil glands.
- Reduce screen glare and use task lighting to prevent eye strain.
- Eat a balanced diet of foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to support tear production and overall eye health.
Find Relief at Broberg Eye Care in Austin TX
While it may be frustrating, you don’t have to live with dry eye syndrome. At Broberg Eye Care, we can combine the latest technology with personalized treatment plans to help you find relief. Do you have dry, itchy, or irritated eyes? Schedule an appointment today or give us a call at (512) 447-6096 to learn more.
