Dry eye is a common but overlooked condition affecting many people worldwide. Often characterized by itching, burning, redness, and a gritty-like feeling, dry eyes can progress from a simple annoyance to a health concern impacting your daily life. At the office of Today's Vision Creekside, serving Tomball, TX, The Woodlands, TX, and Spring, TX, we can help you identify the cause of this condition so that you can begin the appropriate treatment. Our “optometrist near me” is here to help.
Age
Age causes the body to undergo many changes, including decreased tear production. Many people 65 or older might experience some symptoms associated with dry eyes at some point. Although reduced tear production is a natural part of the aging process, there are preventive measures patients can rely on to minimize or alleviate symptoms.
Eye Allergies
Your surroundings play a significant role in your overall eye health. Environmental allergens can cause dry out your eyes. This reduced moisture can cause eyes to feel dry, itchy, and irritated. It is also possible for dry eye allergies to be causing your symptoms.
Common eye allergy triggers include:
● dust
● pollen
● pet dander
Lifestyle Factors
In today’s digital age, the average person spends a significant portion of their day on computer screens, smartphones, and other digital devices. While using these devices, it is normal for a person to blink less frequently. However, routine blinking is necessary to spread tears evenly over your eyes, so less blinking means less tear spreading, resulting in dry and strained eyes.
Underlying Medical Conditions
A medical condition may also be to blame. For example, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a condition in which an abnormality exists in the eye's ability to produce tear film, the watery substance that moisturizes your eyes. For individuals with this abnormality, Lipiflow is a proven dry eye treatment designed to target blockages, limiting tear film production to restore a healthy eye moisture balance. Our optometrist on our optometry team can help you determine if you are a Lipiflow candidate.
Medications
Certain medications can also increase your chances of experiencing dry eye symptoms. These medications tend to lower the rate at which your eyes produce tears. As a result, frequent dryness, itching, and redness are common among people prescribed these drugs. If dry eye symptoms are becoming an issue due to these medications, it may be a good idea to seek an alternative.
Get Lipiflow from Our Optometrist on Our Optometry Team for Eye Allergies and Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eyes are not a condition that you have to live with. If you or a loved one is experiencing dry eye symptoms, an optometry professional can help you resolve the problem. Speak with one of our provider's at Today's Vision Creekside, serving Tomball, TX, The Woodlands, TX, and Spring, TX, to discuss your options. Call us at (346) 808-7342 for eye care from our “optometrist near me” on our optometry team.