When you have eyes that are dry and irritated, you may have a condition called dry eye. This condition is common in people from all walks of life and it often gets worse during the winter. If you have dry eye, you need to see an eye doctor to have your eyes examined. If you are experiencing dry, irritated eyes and live in or around Simsbury, Wethersfield or West Hartford, contact Optometric Specialty Group to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors. Let’s look at a few frequently asked questions that we run into regarding dry eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be caused by a wide range of conditions, medications, lifestyle choices, and other factors. Simply getting older is a common cause of this condition. Engaging in outdoor activities that involve wind such as cycling and running can also cause it. The dry air of winter can cause it, as can rooms that are cooled by a fan or too much air-conditioning.
Medications such as anti-depressants and allergy medications can also result in dry eye. Many different physical conditions and health problems can cause it such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you are going through a major hormonal shift, such as menopause, this can be a cause.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most obvious symptom of dry eye is eyes that feel dry and irritated, but there are many other possible symptoms. You may find that your eyes emit a stringy mucus that can make your eyelashes crusty in the morning. You may also have eyes that are red or that water as the eyes try to overcompensate for the dryness. Your eyes may hurt or itch, feel stinging, burning, or gritty. It can cause the sensation that something is in your eyes even when there's nothing there. It can also cause your vision to be blurry. You might feel that your eyes are tired or strained.
Is There Treatment for Dry Eye?
Several dry eye treatment types can be employed to relieve the symptoms. Your optometrist will tell you what type of specific dry eye treatment you need for your eyes. It may be a mixture of treatments that is recommended such as prescription eye drops along with the use of humidifiers. It may be recommended to wear sunglasses more often or to hold a warm compress to your eyes. Eye drops are a typical way to treat dry eye, and there are eye drops available over the counter to help with symptoms.
Call Our Optometry Centers in Simsbury, Wethersfield and West Hartford, CT
When you are experiencing dry, irritated eyes and need professional treatment to find relief, contact Optometric Specialty Group to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors. Call our Simsbury office today at 860-658-1620, Wethersfield office at (860) 296-1700 or our West Hartford office at (860) 236-1218. You can also reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
