Chronic dry eye is an uncomfortable but common condition that affects millions of Americans. This condition occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor. This often leads to discomfort and irritation. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to more severe complications such as corneal ulcers, infections, and vision problems. This is why it’s crucial to recognize the signs of chronic dry eye and seek appropriate eye care if you experience any of them. In this article, we’ll break down the common signs to watch for and how treatment can help. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about chronic dry eye symptoms with a search online right now!
Stinging, Burning, or Scratchy Sensation
One of the most common symptoms of chronic dry eye is a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes. This discomfort is often described as feeling like there is something in your eye or like your eye is on fire. You may also experience a sensation of grittiness or sand-like particles in your eye. This symptom can occur intermittently or persistently, and it may be more noticeable in dry or windy conditions or after prolonged reading or computer use.
If you experience a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes, it’s essential to seek eye care. Your eye care professional can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as taking breaks during prolonged computer use or avoiding dry or windy conditions, to help manage your symptoms.
Sensitivity to Light
Another common symptom of chronic dry eye is sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. If you have photophobia, you may experience discomfort or pain when exposed to bright lights, sunlight, or fluorescent lighting. This sensitivity can cause squinting and aching around the eyes. Some people with photophobia also experience headaches or migraines as a result of light sensitivity.
If you experience sensitivity to light, it’s important to address it with your eye doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your eye care professional can examine your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment, such as prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses that can help filter out bright lights. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding bright lights or wearing a hat to provide shade to your eyes.
Eye Redness or Irritation
Eye redness or irritation is another common symptom of chronic dry eye. This symptom occurs when the blood vessels in the eye become inflamed, causing the eye to appear red and feel sore or irritated. Eye redness and irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry or windy conditions, allergies, and environmental irritants. In some cases, eye redness and irritation can be a sign of a more severe underlying condition, such as an infection or inflammation.
If you experience eye redness or irritation, it’s important to contact your eye doctor right away in case of infection. Your eye doctor can examine your eyes and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may recommend treatment options, such as eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation or relieve discomfort. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding environmental irritants or practicing good eye hygiene, to help manage your symptoms.
Watery Eyes
Contrary to what one might expect, watery eyes are also a common symptom of chronic dry eye. When your eyes aren’t producing enough tears, your body may respond by producing more reflex tears to try and lubricate your eyes. However, reflex tears are not the same as natural tears and can cause the eyes to appear watery. If you have chronic dry eye, you may experience both dryness and excessive tearing, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
If you experience watery eyes, talk to your eye doctor to determine the underlying cause. They can examine your eyes and determine if your watery eyes are a result of chronic dry eye or another condition. Treatment may include eye drops or ointments to help lubricate the eyes and reduce reflex tearing. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding windy or dry conditions or taking breaks during prolonged computer use.
Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue is another symptom that can be associated with chronic dry eye. This symptom occurs when the eyes become tired or strained, usually after prolonged periods of reading, computer use, or driving. Eye fatigue can cause discomfort, such as soreness or aching around the eyes, and can also lead to headaches or difficulty focusing. In some cases, eye fatigue can be a sign of underlying vision problems or other eye conditions, so it’s essential to seek eye care if you experience this symptom.
If you experience eye fatigue, your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as taking breaks during prolonged computer use or adjusting your workspace to reduce eyestrain. They may also recommend prescription lenses or other vision correction options if an underlying vision problem is contributing to your eye fatigue.
Shutterstock/fizkesOther Possible Symptoms of Dry Eye
In addition to the symptoms discussed above, there are other possible symptoms of chronic dry eye that you should be aware of. These can include a sensation of grittiness or foreign body in the eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, such as aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions. Contact your eye doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Your eye care professional can recommend various treatment options to manage your chronic dry eye symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. These treatments can range from simple lifestyle modifications, such as using a humidifier or avoiding environmental irritants, to more advanced interventions, such as prescription medications or surgical procedures. By working with your eye care professional and following their recommendations, you can effectively manage your chronic dry eye symptoms and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes.
Don’t Suffer: How Treatment Can Help
If you are experiencing chronic dry eye symptoms, it’s important to seek eye care to receive appropriate treatment. Chronic dry eye is a common condition that can be managed effectively with various treatment options, depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Your eye care professional can recommend lifestyle modifications, such as using lubricating eye drops or avoiding environmental irritants, to help manage your symptoms. They may also recommend prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants, to reduce inflammation and promote tear production. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to help conserve tears or improve tear drainage.
With proper treatment, most people with chronic dry eye can experience relief from their symptoms and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. It’s important to work closely with your eye care professional and follow their recommendations for treatment and follow-up care. By doing so, you can help manage your chronic dry eye symptoms and prevent more severe complications from occurring. Remember, you don’t have to suffer from chronic dry eye — seek eye care today to start on the path to relief and improved eye health.
