Are you dealing with dry, irritated eyes, blurry vision, or the sensation that something is stuck in your eye that won’t come out? These are all signs of dry eye, a common condition that can interfere with your quality of life and ability to carry out daily tasks.
While dry eye can often be treated with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter eye drops, some cases require more advanced treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between temporary and chronic dry eye and share tips for finding relief.
Temporary dry eye
Temporary dry eye is usually caused by environmental factors like windy and dusty conditions, exposure to air conditioning, or staring at screens for too long. Some medications can also cause temporary dry eye as a side effect. People with temporary dry eye may have symptoms for a few days or weeks, but they typically go away once you address the underlying cause.
Chronic dry eye
Chronic dry eye is often caused by underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases and hormonal changes. Unlike temporary dry eye, it won’t go away on its own and needs ongoing treatment. Some common symptoms of chronic dry eye include eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, eye pain, and difficulty wearing contact lenses.
Chronic dry eye can be more difficult to treat and may require prescription eye drops or other therapies. It’s important to see an eye doctor if you experience chronic dry eye to determine the underlying cause and get proper treatment.
Finding relief from dry eye
Fortunately, there are many ways to ease dry eye symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some simple tips include drinking more water, adding a humidifier to your space, taking regular breaks from staring at screens, and avoiding windy or dry places. For mild cases of dry eye, you can also try using warm compresses and over-the-counter artificial tears. However, when dry eye symptoms persist or get worse, you should see an eye doctor for more advanced treatments.
At True Focus Eye Care, we conduct a series of tests during an eye exam to identify the root cause of your dry eye and provide recommendations for the most suitable treatment. We might also suggest some lifestyle changes and other strategies to help you manage your dry eye symptoms.
In conclusion, while some cases of dry eye are temporary and can be relieved with some simple changes, chronic dry eye requires professional care. By visiting an eye doctor regularly and practicing good eye hygiene, you can find relief from dry eye symptoms and keep your eyes healthy. If dry eye is bothering you, contact True Focus Eye Care today and let us help you find relief from chronic dry eye and improve your overall eye health.