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Dry Eye Syndrome: What to Know

One of the most common eye problems patients will visit their eye doctors for is dry eye syndrome. This is characterized by a chronic dryness of the eyes. People with this condition need more than just eye moisturizing drops to relieve the dryness in their eyes. Dry eye syndrome, also known as dysfunctional tear syndrome, is caused by low tear production of the tear glands or the poor quality of tears.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop dry eyes than others. Females over forty, aging men, and people who work with computers for long hours at a time are the most susceptible to developing it. For females, dry eyes might become a problem after the age of forty due to hormonal changes. These fluctuations in hormones that were once fairly balanced might disrupt the production and quality of tears. For older men, dry eyes might develop simply because of the aging process, which might cause deterioration of the eyes in general, including the activity of the tear glands.

Other Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

There might be other reasons for chronic dry eyes, and these include, but are not limited to:

  • Hypersensitivity to air conditioning, air heating systems, and ceiling fans.
  • Wearing contact lenses. Some people choose to stop wearing them because of this persistent issue.
  • Windy or dry outside environments.
  • Smoking.
  • Medications. These might include prescriptions and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and antidepressants, among others.
  • Health problems like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome might cause chronic eye dryness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eyes, other than the dryness itself, might include burning sensations and aching sensations in the eyes, as well as sensations of fatigue and heaviness. Eyes might become sore and itchy, which can invite frequent rubbing of the eyes. However, this only exacerbates the problem and cause blurry vision. Photophobia, which is a sensitivity or intolerance to light, might develop and this might cause constant squinting. Those with photophobia might also experience headaches often.

Testing for Dry Eyes

If you think that you might have chronic dry eye syndrome, a test can be performed to verify it. We have to be sure that your condition is actually a case of dry eye syndrome and not just symptoms of hay fever or other common irritations to the eye. After an eye examination to confirm it’s a case of dry eye syndrome, prescription eye medications may be needed to treat the symptoms.

Treatments

Along with prescription eye medication, certain behavior modifications might also be recommended, including limiting the use of screen time at computers or other devices with bright light displays. There are also in-office treatments that can be performed that will stimulate normal tear production and relieve dryness of the eyes and the symptoms that come with it significantly.

Schedule a Consultation

At Campus Eye Group in New Jersey, the problem of dry eye syndrome is solved with the most effective treatments in our state-of-the-art facility operated by experienced, professional staff. Schedule your consultation with us today and get the relief you have been looking for.