Do Your Eyes Always Feel Dry? Understanding the Causes and Treatments for Dry Eye

If you often find yourself rubbing your eyes, blinking excessively, or reaching for artificial tears throughout the day, you may be experiencing dry eye syndrome. This common yet often overlooked condition can significantly impact your comfort, productivity, and overall eye health.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When tear production or quality is compromised, it can lead to symptoms such as:

• A gritty or sandy sensation

• Burning or stinging eyes

• Blurry vision that fluctuates

• Redness or irritation

• Sensitivity to light

These symptoms may worsen in certain environments, like air-conditioned rooms, windy areas, or during prolonged screen use.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:

• Age: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, making dry eye more common in older adults.

• Environment: Wind, smoke, and dry climates can cause tears to evaporate faster than normal.

• Screen Time: Staring at screens for extended periods reduces blinking, which is essential for spreading tears across the eyes.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and hormonal changes can affect tear production.

• Medications: Certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can decrease tear production.

• Eyelid Problems: Blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction can disrupt the production or quality of tears.

• Contact Lenses: Long-term use can contribute to dryness and discomfort.

How Is Dry Eye Treated?

At North Shore Eye Health and Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye. Every case is unique, so our treatments are customized based on your specific symptoms and underlying causes.

Maintaining clean and healthy eyelids is essential in managing dry eye. We often recommend a daily routine that includes warm compresses and gentle lid scrubs to reduce inflammation and improve the function of oil glands along the eyelid margin.

For patients requiring more intensive care, we offer advanced in-office treatments designed to address the root causes of dry eye. These treatments provide relief by restoring balance to the tear film and improving oil gland function. We will determine the most appropriate options for your individual needs.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye is often a chronic condition that can lead to long-term discomfort and even vision problems if left untreated. The good news is that effective treatment options are available, and relief is possible.

If you’re tired of constantly battling dry, irritated eyes, North Shore Eye Health and Wellness is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us to uncover the cause of your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options that can restore your comfort and vision. Contact our office in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, by calling (262) 421-4412 today.