One of the most common eye conditions reported today is dry eye. Known to affect women more than men, dry eye syndrome is a persistent feeling of scratchiness, burning, or excessive sensation that interferes with vision quality. Many individuals report the feeling of a foreign body present in the eye that negatively affects their daily life. Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Blurry vision
- A feeling of sandiness of grittiness
- Excessive tearing
Littlefield Optometry has provided residents of Kansas City with dry eye treatment for many years. read on to learn more about dry eye and how it is treated.
Causes of Dry Eye
The most effective method for dry eye treatment is to discover and understand the root cause of the present symptoms. The most common root cause of dry eyes is due to an issue with tears. Your current health condition, prescription drugs, and environment can all determine the quality and quantity of tears you can produce.
Health Conditions
Long periods of reading on a tablet or computer or watching television can significantly reduce the amount of blinking leading to dry eye, strain, and redness. The most common health conditions that can develop chronic dry eye syndrome are:
- Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome
- Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism
- Refractive eye surgery
- Central nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's
- Extended use of contact lenses
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
Environment
Frequent exposure to low humidity environments such as air-conditioned office buildings, airports, retail stores, hospitals, or outdoor exposure can reduce tear production and cause a feeling of grittiness, redness, or eye irritation.
Medication
The use of popular over-the-counter medications to treat common allergies, sleeping aids, and the sinus can be the culprit for your dry eyes as certain formulations may affect tear production. Additionally, the frequent use of popular eye drops contains preservatives and other ingredients that may also result in dry eye syndrome.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometry Professionals in Kansas City
If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, the eye care professionals at Littlefield Optometry are ready to assist you. Call us today at (816) 888-5400 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.