Do your eyes ever feel like they’re on fire or as if there’s something gritty stuck in them, even when nothing’s there? These uncomfortable sensations might be more than just an occasional annoyance—they could be signs of dry eye syndrome. If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes feel dry or irritated or how to find relief, you’re in the right place!
This article shares everything you need to know about dry eyes: the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available at Trendy Eyes Optometry in Manhattan Beach, CA.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or the quality of your tears isn’t quite right. Tears are essential to lubricate the eye’s front surface (cornea) and keep your vision clear. When there’s a problem with your tear production or tear quality, your eyes become dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
There are several common causes of dry eyes:
- Aging: Tear production tends to decrease as we age, especially after 50. This is a natural part of aging and can lead to dry eyes.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, or long hours staring at screens can all lead to tear evaporation, causing your eyes to dry out.
- Medications: Certain medications, like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can have side effects that reduce tear production. If you’re on any medication and experiencing dry eyes, it’s worth discussing this with your eye doctor.
- Health Conditions: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can all contribute to dry eyes. Additionally, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome are notorious for causing severe dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Hormonal Changes: Women going through menopause or pregnancy often experience hormonal shifts that can affect tear production.
- Contact Lens Wear: Wearing contact lenses for long periods can irritate your eyes and lead to dryness, especially if they aren’t the right fit.
- Eye Surgeries: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can sometimes affect tear production, leading to temporary or even long-term dry eyes.
- Tear Gland Blockages: Your eyelids contain small glands (meibomian glands) that release oil into your tears. When these glands become blocked or malfunctioning, your tears evaporate faster than they should.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
- Dry eyes can appear in various ways, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A burning sensation, as if your eyes are on fire
- A gritty feeling, like there’s sand or dirt in your eyes
- Redness and inflammation in the eyes
- Vision that fluctuates, becoming blurry at times
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Tired eyes, especially after reading, working on a computer, or watching TV
Treating Dry Eyes in Manhattan Beach, CA
Trendy Eyes Optometry utilizes the latest advancements in medical technology to make treating dry eye syndrome easier and more effective than ever. With cutting-edge solutions, we can diagnose and treat dry eyes with faster results and longer-lasting relief.
Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation
Every patient’s journey to relief begins with a thorough evaluation. Our eye doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the underlying causes of your dry eyes, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
InflammaDry
The InflammaDry system allows us to test your tears for elevated levels of a natural protein called matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), often found in patients with dry eyes. This fast, in-office test takes just 10 minutes, and the results help us better understand the severity of your condition.
LipiFlow
Dry eye symptoms are often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where oil glands in the eyelids become blocked. Our LipiFlow system uses gentle heat and light pressure to clear these blockages and restore your eyes' natural moisture balance.
TearLab
TearLab is another advanced tool we use to measure the concentration levels in your tears, helping us diagnose dry eye disease more accurately. This 3-in-1 device collects a small tear fluid sample and provides real-time results that help guide our treatment decisions.
Nutritional Supplements
Adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your diet may improve the quality of your tears, particularly in cases where inflammation is the root cause of your dry eye condition. We’ll advise you on the best supplements to support your eye health.
Find Relief at Trendy Eyes Optometry
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is the key to finding relief. At the first sign of persistent discomfort, schedule an eye exam at Trendy Eyes Optometry to discuss your symptoms.