What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Have you ever experienced a stinging or burning feeling in your eyes? Felt as if something is stuck in your eye, but couldn't find anything? If yes, you might have suffered from dry eye.
 

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide proper lubrication for your eyes. It can occur due to insufficient tear production or tears drying up too quickly. This condition can be uncomfortable and, in severe cases, can lead to some serious eye problems.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

A wide range of symptoms can help identify if you are suffering from dry eye. The most common ones include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes. You might also notice stringy mucus in or around your eyes, sensitivity to light, redness, blurry or fluctuating vision, and feeling like something is in your eyes.
 

Dry eyes may also make it hard to wear contact lenses and drive at night. In some cases, your eyes might water excessively. This is the body's response to the discomfort from dry eye. Ironically, these tears are mostly just water and lack the lubricating qualities needed to keep your eyes wet.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

The most common reasons for dry eye is inflammation to the eye, the eyelids and its glands. Other common causes include age, allergies, certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems, and some medications like antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants.
 

Environmental conditions such as dry, windy, or smoky environments can also contribute to dry eye. Long-term use of contact lenses and refractive eye surgeries like LASIK can cause dry eye symptoms too.
 

The Role of OptiLight by Lumenis in Dry Eye Treatment

One of the most innovative treatments for dry eye and currently the only IPL that has an FDA approval for treatment of dry eyes, comes from a company called Lumenis, with their product known as OptiLight. OptiLight by Lumenis utilizes a unique method known as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to effectively manage dry eye.
 

IPL therapy works by sending bursts of light that target and reduce the inflammation causing dry eyes. The light energy also stimulates the glands responsible for tear production and helps restore the natural balance of oils in the tears.
 

Find Relief for Your Dry Eye Symptoms Today

Dry eye is a common but often misunderstood condition. Recognizing what dry eye is, its symptoms, and causes is the first step towards getting effective treatment. There are a variety of treatments that can be prescribed for dry eye. Innovative treatments like OptiLight by Lumenis offer promising results in managing this condition and improving the lives of those affected. At Eagle Eye Vision Center, we strive to give clients the best treatment for their unique needs.
 

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, don't ignore them. Consult with our eye care professionals at Eagle Eye Vision Center in our Stafford, Virginia office. We strive to meet your needs with the best professional personalized services and treatments available. Please call (540) 720-0407 to schedule an appointment today.