Can Dry Eye Fix Itself?

If you have ever experienced dry eyes, you understand how irritating the feeling can be. Your eyes literally feel dry as a result of not retaining enough moisture. Dry eyes are very common and are attributed to either the eyes not producing enough tears or poor-quality tear production. Ironically, dry eyes can also be caused by an overproduction of tears. Eyes require moisture and nourishment from tears to lubricate the surface of the eye to maintain the health and clarity of the eyes. Tears are made up of water, oil, mucus, and antibodies that work together to create a proper flow of tears in the system of the eye and to eliminate debris and risk of infection by continually cleansing the eye.

Dry eyes cause a gritty feeling in the eye, feeling like something is stuck in the eye, itching, redness, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Aside from a dysfunction or lack of balance in the tear flow production, dry eyes can be caused by the overuse of a heater or air conditioner that causes dryness in the air, side effects of certain drugs such as antihistamines, diseases that affect the ability to make tears such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases, skin conditions near the eye, allergies, deficiencies in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids, eyelids that do not close properly and the natural aging process.

Can dry eye fix itself? Dry eye symptoms can be eliminated by removing any irritant that has caused the dry eye and is often fixed with the usage of artificial tear drops. Dry eye is very common and very treatable. While there is no permanent cure for dry eye syndrome, and dry eye does not fix itself, it is possible to manage, reduce, and even eliminate symptoms of dry eye. Treatment options include artificial tear solutions, moisturizing gels and ointments, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, surgery to tighten the lower eyelids, and the changing of medication that may be causing dry eyes. In addition, avoiding dry conditions such as wind and smoke and a change in diet may help provide relief from dry eye.

The feeling of dry eye can be self-diagnosed but if over the counter artificial tears are not providing long term relief, an ophthalmologist can check for dry eye as part of a comprehensive eye exam. A slit lamp test, Schirmer’s test and tear breakup time are common exams in determining eye health in relation to dry eye symptoms. There are many successful remedies available for dry eye. Contact Skyline Vision Clinic today to schedule your appointment by calling 719-630-3937 or schedule online at WEBSITE to find relief options.