Have you been experiencing a gritty or burning sensation in your eyes lately? Or do your eyes feel dry, even though you're not tired or dehydrated? If so, you might suffer from dry eye syndrome, which hampers your eyes from producing enough tears to keep them properly lubricated.
Call us at Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care in San Diego to schedule an eye exam today.
There are several reasons why you might be experiencing dry eye. Let's take a look at some of the possible causes:
1. Aging
As we get older, our bodies produce fewer tears, which can lead to dry eyes. This is especially true for women, who are more likely to experience dry eye after menopause.
2. Medications
Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can cause dry eye as a side effect.
3. Environmental Factors
Exposure to dry or windy weather and air conditioning or heating systems can cause your eyes to dry out.
4. Medical Conditions
Dry eye is often associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders.
5. Contact Lens Use
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can cause dry eyes, especially if you don't properly clean and store your lenses.
6. Hormonal Changes
Women who are pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives may experience dry eye due to changes in hormone levels.
7. Digital Eye Strain
Spending too much time looking at screens, such as computer monitors and smartphones, can cause dry eyes.
Seeing your eye doctor is essential if you're experiencing dry eye symptoms. They can perform an eye exam and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or other therapies to help lubricate your eyes.
Call us at Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care in San Diego to schedule an eye exam today.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and take breaks from screens to rest your eyes.
