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November 07, 2022 3 min read

If you've ever experienced dry eyes, you know how uncomfortable they can be. But you may not realize that dry eyes are actually a serious problem.

Dry eyes occur when your tears are not able to provide adequate moisture for your eyes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including environmental factors, medications, and certain health conditions.

Dry eyes can cause a number of symptoms, including burning, itching, redness, and a feeling of grittiness or sandiness. In severe cases, dry eyes can even lead to Vision problems.

If you're suffering from dry eyes, it's important to see an eye doctor. There are several treatments available that can help relieve your symptoms and protect your eyes from further damage.

What Causes Dry Eyes

There are many factors that can contribute to dry eyes, including:

Age: As you get older, your eyes produce fewer tears. This can be due to many factors, including hormonal changes, medications, and health conditions.

Gender: Women are more likely than men to experience dry eyes. This may be due to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills.

Environment: Dry, windy, or dusty environments can contribute to dry eyes.

Medications: Some medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.

Health conditions: Dry eyes can be a symptom of certain health conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

How to Treat Dry Eyes

If you're suffering from dry eyes, several treatments can help relieve your symptoms. These treatments include:

Artificial tears: Artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms.

Eye drops: Your doctor may prescribe drops that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.

Punctal plugs: Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to help prevent tears from draining too quickly.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat dry eyes. This can include procedures to repair the eyelids or tear ducts.

Long-Term Complications That May Develop from Dry Eyes

If left untreated, dry eyes may lead to some long-term complications, including:

Corneal ulcers: A corneal ulcer is a wound on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer can cause vision loss and even blindness.

Infection: Dry eyes can increase your risk of developing an eye infection.

Scarring: Scarring on the cornea can lead to vision loss.

Pterygium: A pterygium is a growth on the eye's surface that can cause vision problems.

Cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that can lead to vision loss.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, be sure to talk to your doctor. Treatment options are available to help relieve your symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

To Sum Up

While dry eyes can be a nuisance and cause discomfort, they are not typically a serious problem. However, if you are experiencing persistent dryness, redness, or irritation, you must see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

Trouble with dry eyes? Dry Eye Mask is a specialty eye care provider specializing in dry eye syndrome. We offer complete treatment and prevention for dry and itchy eyes. Get in touch with us.