Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Symptoms include redness, grittiness, burning, blurred and fluctuating vision, irritation from smoke or the wind, light sensitivity, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and watery eyes. Some patients have no symptoms of dry eye and only show signs that are visible to their eye doctor.
There are many factors that lead to dry eye. One of the most common factors is age along with prolonged time on electronic devices. Dry eye can occur at any age. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can also contribute to dry eye. Diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and vitamin deficiencies can also aggravate dry eye.
Dry eye can also be aggravated by environmental factors as well as certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. Dry climate, cigarette smoke, the wind, and heating and air conditioning can definitely have an effect on your eyes. Among some of the drugs that can cause dry eye are antihistamines, beta-blockers, diuretics, pain relievers, and sleeping pills. The recent use of technology like computers and video games has increased the prevalence of dry eye as well. We do not blink as much as we should when performing activities like reading, watching television, using a computer, or playing video games. Blinking is our body’s natural way of rewetting the eye.
If you feel like you suffer from dry eye, Twenty Twenty Eyecare can help. We realize dry eye should be taken very seriously. Not only can dry eye be painful, it can also be sight threatening. The doctors at Twenty Twenty Eyecare recognize there are different types of dry dye and each type needs to be addressed accordingly.