What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic eye condition that occurs when your tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes. This lack of tear production can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms that disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, your eye doctor near you at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, can relieve dry eye symptoms with several treatment options. Continue reading to learn about dry eye syndrome and how our eye doctor can help alleviate it.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include dryness, grittiness, and redness. Many people also experience blurred vision and a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes. These symptoms typically worsen in dry environments, during visual concentration, or when smoke or air currents hit your eyes.

Causes and Risk Factors

Dry eye syndrome usually occurs when your tear glands do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. While you are most likely to experience chronic dry eye due to age since tear production naturally decreases over time, other factors can also contribute to this condition. Women have a higher risk of developing dry eye than men due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause. Medications like antihistamines, birth control pills, and decongestants can also increase your risk of dry eye. Other factors contributing to dry eye include eye allergies, extended digital screen usage, wearing contact lenses, and environmental conditions like wind or smoke.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Your optometrist can utilize several methods to alleviate chronic dry eye symptoms and improve vision. Artificial tears help lubricate your eyes to ease dryness and irritation. Your optometrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce eye inflammation. They may also recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate dry eye discomfort, like using a humidifier or taking Omega-3 supplements.

Severe cases of dry eye may require surgery from your ophthalmologist to treat. Your ophthalmologist can insert punctal plugs in your tear ducts to help with tear drainage. They may also perform lid scrubs to clean your eyelids and remove debris and blocked oils contributing to dry eye symptoms.

Get Dry Eye Relief by Visiting Your Ophthalmologist Near You in Chapel Hill, NC

If you are struggling with chronic dry eye and need an “ophthalmologist near you” for dry eye relief, look no further than Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC. Our ophthalmologist can help you find the dry eye solutions necessary to see clearly and comfortably again. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (919) 942-8701 to get the eye care needed for pain-free vision.