If your eyes often feel irritated or scratchy, you could be dealing with dry eye disease. This common condition can happen when your tears aren’t able to provide enough moisture for your eyes. The team at West Valley Dry Eye understands it’s a frustrating feeling, but you don’t have to put up with it.
You may have dry eye disease if you experience symptoms like stinging, redness, watery eyes, or a persistent gritty feeling. The good news is that our dedicated team can help you understand the cause of your discomfort and find a path toward relief.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease feels different for everyone, but several tell-tale signs often appear. You might notice 1 or more of these symptoms, which can affect both of your eyes.
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like you have sand in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with contact lenses
This ongoing irritation is why many people with dry eye also experience sensitivity to light.
What Causes the Dry Eye?
Your eyes depend on a healthy layer of tears, called the tear film, to stay moist and see clearly. Dry eye disease occurs when there is an issue with your tears. This usually comes down to 2 main problems.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t make enough tears to stay properly lubricated. This can happen for several reasons, including age, certain health conditions, or as a side effect of some medications.
Poor Quality Tears
Healthy tears have a specific balance of water, oil, and mucus. If this mixture is off (for example, if there isn’t enough oil), your tears can dry up too quickly. This issue is often related to meibomian gland dysfunction. This is when the small glands lining your eyelids aren’t producing enough oil, which can leave your eyes feeling dry even if you produce plenty of tears.
Could It Be Something Else?
It’s easy to mistake dry eye symptoms for other conditions, like seasonal allergies. Both can lead to red, scratchy, and watery eyes. If your eye irritation continues outside of allergy season, it could be dry eye disease, as allergies typically come with other symptoms, like a runny nose or sneezing.
Simple Tips for At-Home Relief
While a professional diagnosis is key, you can try a few things at home to help ease your discomfort. These small changes can sometimes make a big difference in how your eyes feel from day to day.
- Take screen breaks: You tend to blink less often when you look at a phone or computer. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to give your eyes a rest.
- Add moisture to the air: A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home or office. This can help slow down how quickly your tears evaporate.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your whole body’s functions, including your eyes. Good hydration can support healthy tear production.
- Protect your eyes outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun, which can make dryness worse.
When to See a Dry Eye Doctor
If at-home care doesn’t provide enough relief, it may be time for professional help. A dry eye doctor can identify the source of your discomfort and develop a plan just for you. You don’t have to live with the constant irritation.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During a visit, the team can talk with you about your symptoms and health history. They may use specific evaluations to look at your tear production and quality. This process helps identify the contributing factors to your dry eye.
Custom Plans for Your Eye Health
Because dry eye disease is different for everyone, there is no single solution. Based on your evaluation, an eye doctor can recommend a personalized approach. This may include anything from special eye drops to in-office dry eye therapy to help you find lasting relief.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Appointment
You deserve to feel comfortable. If you’re in the Surprise, Arizona area, and you’re ready to address your dry eye symptoms, contact West Valley Dry Eye to schedule your consultation and explore your options for relief.