Nothing is more annoying than feeling like you have sand or grit in your eyes because of dryness. But dry eyes are more than just an annoyance—they can significantly impact your daily life and overall eye health.
Unfortunately, dry eye cases are on the rise, with uncomfortable symptoms ranging from itching and burning to blurred vision. In this article, we’ll let you know all of the irritating symptoms of dry eyes to watch for, explain why regular appointments with an optometrist are critical, and explore some of the treatment options available to alleviate your discomfort. We’ll also emphasize the importance of seeking professional help from an optometry clinic like ours to manage dry eye symptoms effectively.
Scratchy, burning eyes
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the quality of the tears is insufficient to keep your eyes adequately lubricated. This leads to a range of irritating symptoms. If you think you’re suffering from dry eyes, we recommend booking an appointment with us so that we can assess your condition. Here are a few of the things you should watch for:
Itching: Dry eyes often feel itchy, making you want to rub your eyes frequently. This can actually worsen the condition and potentially lead to eye infections, so resist the urge to rub.
Burning sensation: A burning or stinging sensation is a common complaint among individuals with dry eyes. This discomfort can be particularly bothersome in dry or windy conditions.
Redness: Dry eyes can cause the whites of your eyes to become red and bloodshot, giving the appearance of being constantly tired or unwell.
Excessive tearing: It sounds odd, but dry eyes can actually lead to watery eyes. This happens because your eyes produce reflex tears in response to the irritation caused by the dryness, but their quality or quantity is still insufficient to alleviate the underlying condition.
Sensitivity to light: If you have dry eyes, you might find that you’re more sensitive to light. This can make bright or sunny environments uncomfortable.
Blurred vision: Blurry vision can be quite alarming, but it might be attributed to dryness. Dry eyes lead to fluctuations in vision, causing intermittent blurriness that can affect your ability to read, drive, or use electronic devices comfortably.
Foreign body sensation: Many people with dry eyes describe a feeling of having a foreign object, like grit or sand, in their eyes. This sensation is uncomfortable or even distressing.
The right care is available
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling regular appointments with an optometrist is highly recommended. Our team at Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates provides comprehensive optometry care for the whole family and we’re experts in treating dry eye symptoms.
Regular optometry appointments will enable us to diagnose dry eye syndrome early so you won’t have to suffer from continued symptoms. We’re ready to provide you with exceptional treatment to restore the health of your eyes. We recognize that each individual’s experience with dry eyes is unique, which is why we’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.
We offer various treatment options for dry eyes and can recommend the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific needs and the severity of your symptoms. Routine exams will enable us to continuously monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary to ensure the optimal management of your dry eyes. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to more severe eye problems like corneal damage or infections, so it’s essential to get checked as soon as you begin to experience symptoms.
Help for dry eyes
The treatment of dry eyes typically depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Our optometrists are ready to recommend a variety of treatment options. This could include artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and provide immediate relief from dryness and discomfort. It might also include simple lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, taking breaks from screens, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, and using a humidifier in dry environments.
However, more serious cases may require more significant treatment. Our clinic is a leader in dry eye syndrome treatment, with an exceptional Dry Eye Clinic. Our practitioners are trained to deliver cutting-edge dry eye treatments, including OptiLight Therapy (IPL), LipiFlow, Eye-Light Treatment, Low Level Light Treatment (LLLT), and Blephex and Zest Treatments. You can read more about our extensive and leading dry eye treatment options here.
Choose Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates
Our clinic is your choice for optometry care in the Edmonton area. Our three convenient clinics serve clients of all ages, providing exceptional care from routine exams to specialized treatment options. Our team has the expertise to accurately diagnose your condition, determine its underlying cause, and develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.
Don’t let the irritating symptoms of dry eyes disrupt your daily life or potentially lead to more serious eye problems. We’ll ensure that your eyes remain comfortable, healthy, and symptom-free.
Find out how we can help, with a comprehensive eye exam to assess the health of your eyes and determine the severity of your condition. Book your appointment today, and take the first step towards finding relief from your dry eye symptoms.