Have your eyes ever felt gritty, burning, or constantly watering on a bright summer day? You might be experiencing dry eye syndrome, a surprisingly common condition affecting people of all ages. At Mill Creek Vision, our experienced optometrists help families achieve optimal eye health, including providing effective treatment for dry eye syndrome.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Tears play a vital role in eye health. They lubricate the surface of your eye, keeping it moist and comfortable. They also wash away dust and debris and fight off infection. If you have dry eye syndrome, the quantity or quality of your tears is insufficient, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have dry eye syndrome:
- Gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Excessive watering of the eyes (ironically, this can be the body's attempt to compensate for a lack of quality tears)
- Blurred vision, especially noticeable during extended screen time or reading
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness in the whites of the eyes
- Feeling like there's something stuck in your eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Why Summer Makes Dry Eyes Worse
Summer brings several factors that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms:
- Hot, Dry Air: Low humidity levels cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes feeling parched.
- Increased Air Conditioning: Air conditioning, while keeping you cool, can further dry the air indoors, worsening dry eye.
- Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the oil glands in your eyelids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy tear film.
- Chlorine and Saltwater: Swimming in pools or oceans can temporarily irritate and dry out your eyes.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies can trigger itchy, watery eyes, further disrupting your tear film.
Risks of Untreated Dry Eye
Leaving dry eye syndrome untreated can lead to complications like:
- Corneal Damage: Chronic dry eye can damage the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. This can cause pain, blurry vision, and an increased risk of infection.
- Vision Problems: Untreated dry eye can make it difficult to see clearly, impacting your daily activities.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Constant eye discomfort can significantly affect your quality of life and overall well-being.
Mill Creek Vision: Your Partner in Dry Eye Management
At Mill Creek Vision, we understand the frustration and discomfort of dry eye syndrome. Our team of eye care professionals in Mill Creek will work with you to diagnose the cause of your dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options may include:
- Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can help replenish moisture and alleviate symptoms.
- Eyelid Hygiene: Cleaning your eyelids regularly removes debris that can clog oil glands and worsen dry eye.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your closed eyelids can help unblock oil glands and improve tear quality.
- Prescription Medications: In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to address the underlying cause of your dry eye.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Staying hydrated, limiting screen time, and wearing sunglasses with UV protection can all help manage dry eye symptoms.
Don't let dry eye syndrome steal summer fun or impact your vision year-round. Schedule an appointment with Mill Creek Vision today to discuss your dry eye concerns and explore treatment options.
