Your eyes constantly produce tears to maintain your visual health and comfort. Any changes to the amount or consistency of your tears may result in dry eye syndrome. In today’s post, your expert eye doctors in Conshohocken, PA, from the Neal Eye Group answer the top questions about this problem.
What Causes This Condition?
Tears consist of three layers to keep your eyes moisturized and free from foreign matter. The innermost mucus layer helps your tears spread evenly over your eyes; the middle watery layer provides lubrication; and the outermost oily layer prevents your tears from evaporating too soon. Any irregularities with these layers can lead to dry eyes.
What Are the Common Manifestations?
Some of the earliest symptoms of dry eye syndrome include a gritty or burning sensation in your eyes, along with redness. You may experience episodes of blurred or distorted vision as well, along with discomfort when wearing your contacts. If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend seeking expert advice from our trusted eye doctor in Conshohocken, PA.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can develop dry eyes. Such as long term contact lens wearers, allergy sufferers, people with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid Disease and people who had Lasik or other refractive surgeries can all contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Individuals 65 years old and above and postmenopausal women are at increased risk of developing dry eyes. Living in an extremely dry or humid area can also cause irregularities with your tear production. In addition, studies show that smoking and reduced eye blinking can be contributing factors.
What Is the Recommended Treatment?
The first step is to undergo a comprehensive eye exam. Our reliable optometrist in Conshohocken, PA, will evaluate your symptoms and perform testing to determine the cause of your discomfort.
We may recommend applying artificial tear drops to improve your visual comfort. If symptoms persist, we may suggest inserting punctal plugs on your tear ducts to prevent excessive tear drainage.
If you have any further questions on dry eyes, call us at (610) 813-2988. We look forward to helping you.
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