Do you often find yourself reaching for eye drops throughout the day? Are your eyes constantly feeling dry, gritty, or irritated? You may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people deal with dry eyes daily, and there are advanced treatment options available to help relieve your symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of dry eyes and introduce you to some cutting-edge treatments for lasting relief.
Aging
Dry eyes are a common issue in those ages 50 and older. As we get older, our bodies produce fewer tears, leading to dryness and discomfort. Hormonal changes after menopause can also contribute to dry eye.
Medications
Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy can all have side effects that include drying out the eyes. If you are taking any of these medications and experiencing dry eye, talk to your doctor about potential alternatives or ways to manage your symptoms.
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Meibomian glands are tiny glands found along the edges of your eyelids. These glands make an oil that is an essential part of your tears. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) happens when these glands get blocked or clogged, preventing them from producing enough oil to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. Many people suffer from this condition without even realizing they have it.
Health conditions
In some cases, underlying health conditions such as autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic dry eye symptoms. These conditions affect the body’s ability to produce sufficient tears and lubrication for the eyes.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors like air conditioning, heating, low humidity, or windy conditions can all contribute to increased evaporation of tears and exacerbate dry eye symptoms. To prevent dryness, try using a humidifier in your home or office, wearing protective eyewear on windy days, and using artificial tears as needed.
Screen time
With so many of us glued to our computers, smartphones, and tablets throughout the day, we tend to blink less frequently, which can reduce tear production and increase tear evaporation. This digital eye strain can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, and fatigue. Remember to take frequent breaks from screens and make a conscious effort to blink regularly.
Treating dry eyes
For many people, dry eye is a constant struggle. Warm compresses and artificial tears may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying causes. If your dry eye symptoms persist or appear to be getting worse, you may need more advanced treatment. To help you find lasting relief, we offer innovative treatment options such as TempSure Envi and Icon intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. These treatments target a leading cause of dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction. By softening and breaking up blockages in these glands, these technologies provide significant relief from dry eye symptoms like redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
TempSure Envi and Icon IPL not only provide dry eye relief; they also double as an effective anti-aging solution. These treatments minimize wrinkles, enhance skin tightness, and leave you with smoother, younger-looking skin!
If you’re tired of dealing with dry eye symptoms and ready to find relief, contact us today! Our dry eye specialists in Greensboro, Reform, and Northport are here to help you maintain good eye health and see clearly and comfortably every day.