Does it ever feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, but there’s nothing there? This feeling is called “gritty eyes,” and it’s often a sign of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and is caused by a variety of factors.
The good news is that there are ways to manage your symptoms and find relief. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the symptoms and causes as well as some effective treatment options.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to a range of symptoms like redness, itchiness, irritation, blurry vision, and, of course, gritty eyes. It can also make it difficult for you to wear contact lenses or stare at screens for too long.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Many factors can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome, including:
- Age (as we get older, our tear production decreases)
- Certain medications like antihistamines and antidepressants
- Hormonal changes (such as during menopause)
- Environmental factors like dry air, wind, and pollution
- Medical conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders
How is dry eye syndrome treated?
Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends on how severe your symptoms are and what’s causing them. If it’s not too serious, lifestyle changes like using a humidifier or taking breaks from screens may help. Over-the-counter eye drops can also help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. But if your dry eye is serious, you might need prescription eye drops or more advanced treatments.
At Vision Center of Lake Norman in Mooresville, our eye doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating dry eye. We have a variety of treatments available, such as intense pulse light (IPL) therapy and low level light therapy. Both treatments use light to warm up the eyelids and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears. These treatments are safe, effective, and can provide long-term relief from dry eye syndrome.
In conclusion, if you’re dealing with dry, gritty eyes, don’t wait to seek treatment. If left untreated, dry eye can damage the surface of your eye and lead to complications or even vision loss. At the Vision Center of Lake Norman, our experts can identify the root cause of your dry eye and offer effective treatment options to relieve your symptoms. Give us a call today to book an appointment and get back to seeing comfortably!
