Hidden Dangers of Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome, while often dismissed as a minor annoyance, can significantly impact your eye health and overall quality of life. Affecting millions of people worldwide, this condition results from inadequate lubrication on the surface of the eyes, leading to discomfort, visual disturbances and even long-term complications if untreated.

Dry eye isn’t just a matter of insufficient tears; it’s often more complex. Some cases stem from poor tear quality, where the tears evaporate too quickly or lack the necessary components to hydrate the eyes effectively. Factors contributing to dry eye include extended use of digital devices, contact lens wear, exposure to dry or windy environments, hormonal changes (especially in women), certain medications like antihistamines and beta-blockers, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome. Additionally, diets low in essential fatty acids or anti-inflammatory foods can exacerbate symptoms.

The signs of dry eye can range from mild irritation to significant disruption of daily activities. Common symptoms include:

• A gritty, scratchy sensation
• Redness and burning
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Excessive tearing (a paradoxical response to dryness)
• Eye fatigue, especially after prolonged screen use or reading

These symptoms may seem trivial, but if left untreated, they can lead to more severe issues like corneal damage, increased susceptibility to infections or chronic inflammation.

While dry eye is often chronic, effective management can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Simple adjustments, such as using a humidifier, staying hydrated and taking breaks from screens (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), can help. Blinking consciously and regularly, especially during focused activities, is also crucial.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, more targeted treatments may be required. Options include:

• Artificial Tears and Ointments: These can provide temporary relief, especially for mild cases.
• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine A or lifitegrast treat underlying inflammation.
• Punctal Plugs: Small silicone plugs inserted into tear ducts help retain natural tears.
• Light Therapy and Meibomian Gland Expression: These newer treatments improve the production of the tear film’s oily layer, preventing rapid evaporation.
• Therapeutic Contact Lenses: These lenses protect and hydrate the eye’s surface, offering relief for severe cases.

Ignoring dry eye can lead to more than just discomfort. Chronic dryness can damage the cornea, impair healing after eye surgeries and even lead to vision loss in extreme cases. Recognizing and treating the condition early is key to maintaining healthy, comfortable vision.

If dry eye is affecting your life, don’t wait for it to worsen. Reach out to Skyline Vision Clinic at 719-630-3937 or visit WEBSITE for personalized care and relief. Your eyes deserve the best care to stay clear and comfortable.