Dry eyes are a common condition. In fact, the issue affects more than 16 million Americans. Many people dismiss it or grab an over-the-counter medicine to address the issue. While this may work for some people, dry eye disease does require evaluation. It is more than just a minor annoyance. It can impact your vision, daily comfort, and overall quality of life. When left untreated, you can experience symptoms that get worse. You may wonder, are dry eyes a serious problem? Below, you will find helpful information on when to seek professional treatment.
Are Dry Eyes a Serious Problem?
Dry eyes are more than just an inconvenience. They can be uncomfortable, impact your vision, and make daily life difficult. When left untreated, dry eyes can cause real damage. Dry eye treatment can improve your symptoms and reduce your risk for long-term damage. When your eyes are healthy, they are coated with a stable tear film each time you blink. The film is made up of water, oil, and mucus. Each of these three components plays a critical role in your eye health.
The oil prevents the tear film from evaporating too quickly. This film is produced by tiny glands inside your eyelids. The water is the middle layer, and the thickest among the three components. It hydrates and nourishes the eye’s surface. It also carries oxygen to the cornea, washes away debris, and contains important antibodies. The mucus is the innermost layer, and it serves as an anchor for the tear film. Without it, the water layer would slide right off the eye.
Dry eye disease occurs when the balance of these three components breaks down. There are two main types of dry eye disease: aqueous-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye. Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears. Evaporative dry eye occurs when the tear oil layer is insufficient. The tears evaporate too quickly. Treatment is necessary to address the issue and protect your long-term eye health.
Why Dry Eyes Worsen Without Treatment
Dry eye disease tends to get worse over time. When the tiny glands in the eye stop functioning properly, this continues to get worse. The gland tissue deteriorates, and recovery is difficult without intervention. This is why early intervention is key if you have the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Another key factor in the condition is inflammation. It plays a central role in the vicious cycle of dry eye disease. Dry eyes and inflammation feed each other. This is because an inflamed ocular surface is highly sensitive. When it is sensitive, it becomes more inflamed. The condition is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. This means more intense treatment is required to address the issue. Early intervention can break the cycle and help you restore your eye health with ease.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease can come with several symptoms. The most common and well-known symptom is a scratchy feeling in the eyes. However, symptoms vary from patient to patient. Other symptoms include persistent burning or stinging. Some patients feel like something is stuck in their eye. Light sensitivity and redness can accompany dry eyes. Many patients notice that excess screen time can worsen symptoms.
A symptom that often seems counterintuitive is watery eyes. Excessive watering is common among people with dry eyes. This is because the eye produces reflex tears in response to the irritation. The reason these tears do not help is that they are not composed of the right substances. The three components of balanced tears are water, oil, and mucus. Without the right combination, tearing does not address chronic dry eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with the top center for eyelid surgery. They can assess your symptoms and determine the right course of action.
Am I at Risk for Dry Eye Disease?
Understanding your risk can help you determine what to look out for. When you see the early signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, you can seek treatment right away. Early intervention can help you restore proper eye function.
Age
Both men and women have an increased risk of dry eyes as they get older. People over 50 are at increased risk of the condition.
Contact Lens Wearers
People who wear contact lenses are at an increased risk of dry eye. Contact lenses reduce the flow of oxygen to the surface of the eyes. This can disrupt the tear film, leading to dry eyes.
Screen Time
Prolonged screen time can cause dry eyes. Looking at screens for long periods reduces your blink rate. This accelerates tear evaporation. Consider reducing your screen time throughout the day. If you cannot reduce your screen time, follow the 20-20-20 method. This involves looking away from your screen for at least 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Certain Medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production. This is a common side effect to be aware of. If the side effect impacts your daily life, consult with your prescribing doctor. You can modify your medication to reduce the impact on your eye health.
Environmental Factors
Certain climates increase the risk of dry eye disease. This includes climates that are dry, windy, or low-humidity. Air conditioning can also lead to dry eyes by affecting indoor air quality. Each of these environments increases evaporative stress on the eye.
Certain Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, and rosacea. Talking with your doctor about how you can be proactive if you have these conditions is key. Understanding your risk and how to mitigate it can help you preserve your long-term eye health.
Leading Center for Eyelid Surgery
Dry eyes can affect your long-term eye health. To reduce the risk of future issues, contact the Revive Eye and Face team today to schedule your consultation!
