Do your eyes ever feel like they’re burning or stinging? Does it feel like there’s sand or dirt in your eyes? You might think it’s a minor annoyance, but it could be a sign of something more serious. These symptoms are often linked to dry eye, a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the symptoms and causes of dry eye as well as how to find relief.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye symptoms may include burning, stinging, itching, or red eyes. You might also feel like something’s stuck in your eye, and your vision could get blurry. Wind, smoke, air conditioning, and too much computer use can make these symptoms worse. Dry eye can also make you tear up more as your eyes try to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Causes of dry eye
Common causes of dry eye include aging, hormonal changes, some medications, and certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you experience burning and stinging in your eyes, it’s important to visit your eye doctor to identify the cause. They can perform several tests to determine if you have dry eye and suggest the best treatment.
Preventing dry eye
You can make a few lifestyle changes to lower your chances of getting dry eye. For instance, taking breaks when you’re on the computer or reading can reduce eye strain. Wearing sunglasses when outdoors can also help protect your eyes from the sun and wind. Lastly, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes moist.
Treatment for dry eye
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye, there are plenty of treatment options to consider. Treatment for dry eye may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops that reduce inflammation, and tear duct plugs to block tear drainage.
In conclusion, if you’ve been dealing with burning, stinging eyes, it’s important to see an eye doctor to figure out what’s causing these symptoms. While eye irritation is very common and usually not serious, dry eye can be a chronic issue that requires medical treatment.
At Casey Optical in Albuquerque, New Mexico, our eye doctor diagnoses and treats dry eye. We offer a range of treatments for this condition to help you find long-lasting relief. Don’t suffer from dry eye any longer—contact us today to schedule an appointment.