Have you been dealing with itchy, scratchy, or irritated eyes lately? You might have thought it was because of allergies or a change in weather, but there could be another reason: dry eye. Dry eye is a common cause of itchy eyes, and it’s important to know its symptoms, causes, and ways to treat it. In this blog, we’ll discuss this condition and share some helpful tips for finding relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if they dry up too quickly. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and redness and may even impact your vision. When you have dry eye, your eyes can feel gritty or sandy, and you may experience a burning or stinging sensation. It might feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, and you could have excessive tearing. You may also notice that your eyes feel worse after reading or staring at a screen for a while, or if you’ve been in a dry or windy place.
What causes dry eye?
The most common causes of dry eye include aging, certain medications, medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome, and environmental factors such as smoke or dry air. Other factors like contact lens wear and eye surgery can also cause dry eyes. Women also have a higher risk of developing dry eye due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause and from using birth control.
Treatment for dry eye
The good news is that dry eye can be managed effectively. Depending on how severe it is, your eye doctor might suggest artificial tears or lifestyle changes like drinking more water, taking regular breaks from screens, or using a humidifier. There are even prescription medications that can help relieve dry eye symptoms. For more severe cases of dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops or in-office treatments like light therapy.
At Accent Vision Care, we provide expert dry eye care to help you find relief. Our team of eye care professionals will evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. We use advanced diagnostic technology to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms, and we offer a variety of treatment options to help you feel better and improve your overall eye health.
If you have itchy eyes, don’t assume that they’re caused by allergies. Dry eye is a very common but often overlooked cause of eye irritation. By knowing the signs of dry eye and seeking treatment, you can find relief and protect your eyes. At Accent Vision Care, we’re committed to offering high-quality eye care and personalized treatment options for dry eye and other eye issues. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
