When to See an Eye Doctor About Persistent Dry Eye Symptoms

September 4th, 2024

Are you experiencing dry, irritated eyes? Do you wonder whether you need to see an eye doctor about your symptoms?

Occasional symptoms of dry eyes are typically normal, as most people will experience them from time to time. Dryness from weather, allergies, or mild dehydration is common and usually gets better with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using eye drops to moisturize your eyes.

Frequent, recurring eye discomfort and vision issues from dry eyes can indicate that you may have dry eye syndrome. Your eye doctor at Laser Vision Center can help you manage this condition, protect the health of your eyes, and get relief from your symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about when to see an eye doctor about persistent dry eye symptoms.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition caused by a problem with the tear film. The tear film is the layer of moisture that protects the surface of your eyes.

It is made up of three different layers of fluid, including lipid, oil, and water. All the layers of the tear film are essential to create a healthy tear.

If your tear glands don’t produce the right quantity of tears or the balance of fluids is incorrect, you may not have sufficient tear film to lubricate your eyes, or the tears may evaporate too quickly, causing dryness and discomfort.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can go beyond just dry eyes. You may notice symptoms including:

Feeling like there’s something in your eyes
Burning or stinging
Itching or grittiness
Soreness
Excessive tearing and watery eyes
Redness
Swelling of eyelids
Intermittent blurry vision
Unusual or excessive eye fatigue
Light sensitivity
Glare sensitivity

These symptoms are not exclusive to dry eye alone, and they could be indicators of another condition. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at Laser Eye Center so they can examine your eyes and help diagnose the underlying cause.

Managing Dry Eye

If dry eyes aren’t causing you serious discomfort or interfering with everyday activities, you may be able to manage symptoms with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes, such as:

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Over-the-counter artificial tears are available at most pharmacies and can be applied multiple times daily to ease dry eye symptoms.

Avoiding Dry Eye Triggers

Spending time near fans or air vents that blow into your eyes can increase dry eye symptoms. It’s best to avoid those dry eye triggers and others, such as allergens, extreme heat or cold, or spending time in dusty spaces.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier in the places you spend the most time, like your bedroom or office, can help ease symptoms of dry eye. This is especially effective in the winter when the air is typically drier.

Rest Your Eyes

If you’re focused on a screen all day for work or school, it can strain your eyes and reduce your blink rate, worsening symptoms of dry eye. It’s helpful to follow the 20-20-20 rule to combat these symptoms.

Every 20 minutes, take a break and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds at a time. This can give your eyes the break they need and help reduce dry eye symptoms.