Dry eye symptoms can sneak into your daily life, making it harder to read, work, or enjoy time outdoors. Finding the right dry eye treatment in Plainfield or Naperville can help you stay comfortable and maintain optimal eye health. In this post, we’ll cover what causes dry eye, common symptoms, how to manage it, and why expert care matters.
Common causes of dry eyes
Several factors can contribute to dry eyes, including:
- Aging: Tear production often decreases as we get older, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Environmental factors: Wind, dry air, smoke, or prolonged screen time can cause your eyes to dry out.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for long periods can reduce moisture on the surface of your eyes.
- Medications: Certain antihistamines, decongestants, or other medications can affect tear production.
- Health conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or thyroid problems may lead to chronic dry eye.
- Eyelid issues: Incomplete blinking or eyelid inflammation can reduce tear distribution and worsen dryness.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye can feel different for everyone, but common symptoms include:
- A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness or irritation, especially after screen use
- Excessive tearing (your eyes may water more when they’re dry)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
If these symptoms are persistent, it’s important to see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What happens if you don’t treat dry eyes?
Many people brush off dry eye as a minor issue, but it can worsen if left untreated. Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to serious and irreversible damage to the surface of your eyes. Your symptoms may not seem severe at first. However, if they don’t go away with regular eye drop use, you could have dry eye syndrome.
Ignoring chronic dry eye can lead to more serious problems, such as:
- Chronic discomfort that affects your daily life
- Eye infections, since tears protect against bacteria
- Corneal damage, which can affect vision long-term
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Vision fluctuations and poor quality of life
How to relieve dry eyes
Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include:
- Artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops typically provide immediate relief for mild dryness.
- Prescription eye drops: Medications can help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Taking screen breaks, using a humidifier, wearing sunglasses outdoors, and staying hydrated can reduce symptoms.
- Contact lens alternatives: Switching to scleral lenses or adjusting your contact lens routine may improve comfort.
A comprehensive eye exam can help our skilled eye doctor determine the exact cause of your dry eyes and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
When to seek professional dry eye care
If dryness persists, causes blurred vision, or leads to discomfort that interferes with daily life, it’s important to schedule an appointment. At Vision Care Group, our experienced optometrist can help identify underlying causes, adjust treatments, and recommend the best solutions to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
To schedule an appointment, give us a call today!