Dry eye occurs when there is inadequate lubrication or moisture on the eye’s surface. This may happen for a number of reasons, such as environmental factors, lifestyle choices, work conditions, certain medications, or some illnesses. When it constantly reoccurs or becomes a consistent problem, then it is known as chronic dry eye. Here are some FAQs to address some of the pressing questions you may have.
Chronic dry eye is a common problem. Unfortunately, many instances go untreated and symptoms worsen and/or lead to more severe symptoms. The following review discusses the causes of dry eyes, medications, work conditions, and more important information about chronic dry eye.
First, let us take a look at the causes of dry eye. Dry eye is often caused by certain diseases, medications, work conditions, and age.
It is important to identify the causes of dry eye to determine the best course of action. Chronic dry eyes may often result from not just the disease itself but also the medications used to treat it. That said, here is a list of just some of the many diseases commonly associated with chronic dry eye:
The cause can often be determined during a consultation visit with an eye doctor. This may include an assessment of all symptoms, daily habits, medications, hereditary factors, and more. A comprehensive eye exam can also help diagnose the cause.
Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and even acne medication may result in dry eyes. Check the side effects or warnings for medication to see which ones may be the culprit.
Staring at a computer, tablet, or phone screen for long hours without blinking may cause chronic dry eyes. Because of this, writers, producers, gamers, programmers, and corporate workers tend to be easily affected. That said, environmental factors such as smoke, wind, and dry air may also lead to chronic dry eyes for blue-collar workers.
Yes, the older people become, the fewer tears the eye produces. This may leave the eye’s surface exposed, leading to discomfort. Age is the most common cause of dry eyes.
Luckily, there are a wide variety of options available to treat chronic dry eye problems. Some of these can be self-administered without medical attention, while others may require a prescription. Here are the answers to some important questions about treatment options.
It depends on the underlying reason. Patients who know the source of the dryness may make changes based on this, such as spending less time in front of the computer or changing medications. Artificial tear drops may also provide relief, while some people say cold and hot presses over the eyes work wonders.
Some doctors may make a diagnosis based on a patient’s described symptoms and the appearance of the eyes. Other times, doctors may use special blotting strips for a more accurate diagnosis. This measures the volume of tears a person produces over a period of time, usually five minutes.
After a positive test, doctors may prescribe a number of solutions. The three most effective are eye inserts, scleral lenses, and punctal plugs. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each one:
While not usually considered a serious illness, chronic dry eyes may lead to serious problems later on. Sometimes the cornea becomes damaged from the inadequate moisture, which could lead to ulcerations. In addition to this, many people suffer discomfort so terrible that it affects their work and even the ability to drive safely or operate machinery. If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, get help today.
Request an appointment here: https://brighteyesmv.com or call Bright Eyes Optometry at (914) 668-1429 for an appointment in our Mt Vernon office.
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