Dry eyes occur when your tears are unable to provide your eyes with the moisture that they need. This condition can cause eye irritation and severe discomfort. At Valley Vision Clinic & Optical in Richfield, we can help you find the cause of your dryness and provide an effective solution.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Normally, your tear glands help keep your eyes moist. When your eyes aren't producing enough tears, your eyes can become dry and irritated. This could happen because your glands aren't producing enough tears, because the tears are drying up too quickly, or because your tears aren't effective enough at keeping your eyes moist.
While anyone can experience dry eye, it's most likely to occur in adults over the age of 50. Your diet could put you at increased risk for dry eyes, as could wearing contact lenses. This condition is also linked to certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus.
The Symptoms
While you can experience dryness in a single eye, it is more likely to impact both eyes. It can cause intense discomfort and a range of other symptoms, including:
- Red or watery eyes
- Itching and eye irritation
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Discharge from the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Feeling like there is something in your eyes
Sometimes, these symptoms pass quickly, but in some cases, they may persist. If you have been dealing with ongoing systems, it is best to schedule a visit with one of our optometrists to get to the bottom of the problem. The eye doctor will examine your eyes and provide recommendations for treatment.
Treating Dry Eyes
Since dry eye syndrome has a range of causes and symptoms, it can be treated in a number of ways. Your eye doctor may recommend eye drops or tear drop plugs, or suggest that you make a few lifestyle changes. As an example, using a humidifier could help to keep your eyes from drying out quickly, while increasing your water intake could help keep your eyes properly hydrated.
To find the best treatment for your eyes, you will need an eye exam. The optometrist will examine your eyes and ask a few questions about your lifestyle to get a better sense of what could be causing your eyes to feel dry.
Contact Our Eye Doctors in Richfield, UT
Reach out to our optometrists at Valley Vision Clinic & Optical to get effective treatment for your dry eyes. We will provide an effective solution that will give you lasting relief. Call our team today at (435) 896-8142 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
