How To Know When You Have Dry Eye

A person with dry eyes may not produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes, or the tears evaporate too quickly before moisturizing the eyes. Tears maintain eye health and provide clear vision. They also protect against eye irritants and help make the eyes work properly. At Austin Vision Center in Austin, TX, we can reduce your symptoms with our dry eye treatments.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Several factors can cause dry eye symptoms. Age mainly triggers this condition. However, certain medications can decrease tear production, such as antihistamines, high blood pressure medicine, and decongestants. Medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, and vitamin A deficiency have been known to bring about dry eye as well. Environmental conditions and wearing contact lenses for long periods also result in dry eye.

Signs of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms might affect both eyes, and can include:

• Blurry vision

• Eye fatigue

• Watery eyes

• Discomfort wearing contact lenses

• Red eyes

• Scratchy eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Mucus in the eyes

• Stinging or burning sensation

Dry Eye Treatment

People with occasional dryness in the eyes may resort to over-the-counter eye drops for relief. However, if your condition is recurring, treating the cause of the problem is important. For example, if your symptoms were caused by a particular medication, your doctor might prescribe another type of medicine that won't cause dry eye. Your optometrist may recommend special contact lenses to prevent your eyes from drying out or eye inserts to help moisturize them. For severe cases, your eye doctor may suggest surgery to lessen the amount of tear loss, keeping your eyes lubricated longer.

Reduce Your Symptoms with Our Dry Eye Treatments

Our optometry team at Austin Vision Center in Austin, TX, is happy to explain more about this condition and its treatments. Schedule an appointment today by calling 512-477-2282.