At one point or another, everyone will suffer from uncomfortable dry eye symptoms. When the symptoms persist, the condition is called dry eye syndrome (DES).
DES occurs when the eyes don’t produce good-quality tears, or enough tears to keep the surface of the eyes hydrated.
Even though it doesn’t sound as serious as other eye conditions, dry eye syndrome can be so debilitating that it interferes with your quality of life.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a condition that’s triggered by insufficient tears, or tears that aren’t able to adequately keep the eyes lubricated. Factors that can cause DES include aging, certain medications and medical conditions, excessive screen time (people blink less while using digital devices), and meibomian gland dysfunction.
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked, which prevents the oils they produce from lubricating the tear film. Too little oil causes tears to evaporate.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Common DES symptoms include:
- Irritated eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- A burning sensation in the eye
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Eye pain
Dry Eye Complications
Dry eye isn’t just an inconvenient eye condition that causes minor discomfort. If left untreated, it can actually lead to a host of other eye problems that are more detrimental to vision health.
- Inflammation and scarring of the cornea - Chronic inflammation can progress to corneal abrasions and ulcers, which can, in rare instances, lead to vision loss.
- Blepharitis - The inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelids become red, swollen, and itchy. Blepharitis can cause styes and sometimes the loss of eyelashes.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses - When the eyes are dry, contact lenses can become uncomfortable and can also cause irritation and infection. This can make it difficult or impossible for people to wear standard contact lenses.
Dry Eye Diagnosis in Mill Creek
Are you experiencing symptoms of dry eye? At Mill Creek Vision in Mill Creek we can diagnose the underlying cause of your DES and provide the relief you’re seeking.
