What Does Having Dry Eyes Mean? | Advanced Eye Care S.C.
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What Does Having Dry Eyes Mean?

woman holding a tissue near her eyes

Do your eyes often feel uncomfortable? Do they sting or burn? These are some of the more common symptoms that come with a condition called dry eye syndrome.

Sound familiar? Keep reading to learn more about what does having dry eyes mean!

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

If you have dry eyes, you may experience frustrating symptoms, including:

● A stinging or burning sensation in your eyes

● Mucus in or around your eyes

● Sensitivity to light

● Redness

● Feeling like there is something in your eye, known as a foreign body sensation

● Trouble wearing your contact lenses

● Difficulty seeing while driving at night

● Watery eyes where you actually overproduce too many tears

● Blurry vision

● Tired eyes

The good news is that dry eyes are a common concern. Even if you do have dry eyes or dry eye syndrome, it doesn’t always mean it’s something serious.

Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Aging, certain medical conditions, and medications can all cause dry eyes. Using artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes well hydrated.

Your natural tears are made up of fatty oils, aqueous (water) fluid, and mucus. These things work together to keep your eyes hydrated.

Dry eyes happen when there is a decrease in your natural tear function or if the tears you do produce are low-quality.

Common Reasons for Dry Eyes

There are many reasons that your eyes may be drier than they used to be. This can include your age, hormonal changes, contact lenses, the list goes on and on!

Aging

After you turn 50, your body doesn’t produce as many tears as it once did. You may need eye drops to keep your eyes moist.

Hormone changes

This is more common for women because of pregnancy, menopause, or using birth control. Talk to your eye doctor if this is a common problem.

Contact lenses

Wearing your contacts for too long can make your eyes tired and dry. You may want to think about trying dailies for increased comfort.

Not blinking enough

When you’re concentrating on your phone or computer screen you may not even realize that you’re not blinking as often as you should be. Try remembering to blink every ten minutes or so and see if it helps.

Your surrounding environment

Dry air, wind, or smoke can make your eyes feel too dry. If you know you’ll be somewhere dry, bring eye drops with you.

Vitamin A deficiency

Add a side of steamed carrots and broccoli to your dinner or take a baggie of raw carrot sticks with you when you’re out running errands.

Eating a diet that’s low in omega-3 fatty acids

Add fatty fish like tuna to your weekly meal plan and enjoy a handful of walnuts once in a while for a snack

Avoid situations that can irritate your eyes and make them dry

Don’t blow air directly into your eyes. This means, be careful when you’re blow-drying your hair or sitting near a fan. Always keep the air directed away from your eyes.

Use a humidifier in any room that you spend a lot of time in. This will help to add moisture back into the air and help your eyes not feel as dry.

Give your eyes a rest break every once in a while when you’re reading or working at your computer. Try closing your eyes for a few minutes at a time or blinking every few minutes to replenish the natural moisture in them. Stop smoking if you’re a smoker, as smoke can make your eyes feel even drier if you have dry eye syndrome.

Do your eyes still feel dry, tired, or irritated after trying the above recommendations? The next step should be seeing your eye doctor and discussing treatment!

Schedule an appointment at Advanced Eye Care, SC, in New Lenox, IL, today! It’s time to say goodbye to dry eye symptoms and get your eyes on the path to feeling better!