Do your eyes constantly feel itchy? Itchy eyes are a common issue and can be caused by many different conditions. Viral infections, allergies, and eye strain can all make your eyes itch, but one of the biggest culprits is dry eye syndrome. In this blog, we’ll discuss what dry eye syndrome is, its symptoms, common causes, and how to treat or prevent it.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes can’t make enough tears, or your tears are of poor quality. Dry eye syndrome can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, redness, and blurry vision. It may even feel like there’s something in your eye. These symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can sometimes be mistaken for allergies or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Over time, severe cases of dry eye can damage the front part of your eye if left untreated. This damage can lead to an increased risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and, in extreme cases, vision loss. If you think you have dry eye and your symptoms persist or get worse, be sure to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome
There are many different causes of dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common include aging, certain medications (like antihistamines and antidepressants), medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and environmental factors like dry air or wind. Women are also more likely to develop this condition due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause and from taking birth control. If you’re dealing with dry eye syndrome, our eye doctor will determine what’s causing your symptoms and suggest the most suitable treatment.
Treating dry eye syndrome
The good news is that dry eye syndrome is highly treatable, and there are a number of treatment options available. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, your optometrist may recommend prescription eye drops, dietary supplements, lifestyle changes (like using a humidifier or avoiding certain medications), or even a procedure to unblock your oil glands. Additionally, there are some simple at-home remedies that you can try, like doing blinking exercises and taking frequent breaks from screens.
If you’re dealing with itchy, irritated eyes and think dry eye syndrome might be causing it, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at True Focus Eye Care in Port Richey, Florida. Our experienced optometrists can diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment to help you find relief from your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with us today!