If you’ve ever felt stinging, burning, and dry sensations in your eyes, you were likely dealing with a condition called “dry eye.” This common issue is well-known for causing temporary discomfort, but what about long-term damage? Can dry eyes cause blindness?
In some cases, dry eyes can lead to permanent damage to the cornea. However, this is extremely rare and only occurs in extreme cases of dry eyes. If you’re dealing with a constant burning sensation in your eyes, visit your optometrist to discuss dry eye therapy.
What Is Dry Eye?
Blinking is more important than it might seem. Whenever you blink, you spread tears over your eye’s surface. These tears help protect your eye, hydrate it, and flush away potential hazards. To do their job properly, your tears need to consist of a balance of mucus, water, and oils.
Inside your eyelids, are tiny glands called the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing oils needed for your tear film. These oils protect the outer layer of your tears and stop them from evaporating too quickly, thereby keeping your eye protected for longer.
Sometimes, your tear film becomes imbalanced in some way. It may not have enough water, or perhaps the oils aren’t making their way to your eye. Such imbalances can cause a stinging, burning sensation as your eye dries out. This condition is called dry eye.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
One of the most common causes of dry eyes is a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction. This occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked. The oils can’t reach the tear film and your eyes are exposed. This is evaporative dry eye.
Dry eyes can also be caused by:
- Age-related changes
- Environmental factors (e.g., wind, smoke)
- Certain medications (like antihistamines)
- Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome
- Hormonal changes
It’s usually a combination of these factors that causes the onset of your dry eye symptoms.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are often recognizable by a non-stop burning sensation. It’s comparable to having a piece of sand trapped under your eyelids, with constant, gritty irritation and discomfort. Your eyes may flood with tears every now and then, but this doesn’t help—your tears simply evaporate before they can sufficiently protect your eyes.
Other common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Visible redness
- Inflammation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Headaches
If these sound familiar, you’re likely dealing with dry eyes.
Long-term Risks of Dry Eyes
While dry eyes might seem like a minor inconvenience, they can be extremely problematic. When your tear film isn’t protecting your eyes, they’re vulnerable to the outside air. Without proper tears, it’s harder to remove bacteria or other harmful contaminants, and you may even be at risk of scratching your cornea with dust and debris.
This can lead to corneal scarring, which can permanently damage your long-term vision. This makes it essential to seek treatment if you recognize the symptoms of dry eyes, as doing so could be key to preserving your quality of vision.
How Are Dry Eyes Treated?
There is good news—with a quick visit to your optometrist, you can start your journey towards comfortable vision once more. It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam.
During your appointment, your optometrist can evaluate the health of your tear film and determine what’s causing your dry eyes. Once they understand the cause, they can make an effective plan to help you going forward.
Here at Veritas Vision, we recommend a mix of the following:
- Specialty eye drops
- In-office dry eye therapy
- Lifestyle adjustments
Specialty Eye Drops for Dry Eye
Depending on the type of dry eye, we usually recommend specialty eye drops as a way to find quick relief during a dry eye flare-up. We offer 2 options:
- RESTASIS, which are prescription eye drops. These drops supplement your natural tear film to restore a proper balance of components, helping you find lasting relief.
- Xiidra, which are anti-inflammatory drops. These drops help you find quick relief from your dry eyes and improve your overall eye health.
In-Office Dry Eye Therapy
For many cases, we often recommend in-office dry eye therapy. We offer 2 approaches: intense pulsed light (IPL) and TearCare.
Intense pulsed light therapy uses gentle pulses of light to target the area surrounding the meibomian glands. These pulses penetrate the skin, warming the area and melting any oil blockages. This allows your natural oils to flow properly to your tear film.
IPL is a non-invasive treatment that offers long-lasting results. It usually only takes a few minutes per eye.
Meanwhile, TearCare uses single-use flexible devices that apply gentle heat therapy to your eyelids. This warms the meibomian glands and helps restore their natural function, giving you a balanced tear film that properly protects your eyes.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Dry Eyes
Sometimes, prevention is easier than treatment. If you’re worried about dry eyes, or are experiencing minor symptoms, we often recommend lifestyle changes to promote a healthier tear film. This often includes:
- Taking supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, to promote healthy eyes
- Using a humidifier indoors
- Protecting your eyes against wind and environmental factors
- Staying hydrated
- Following a balanced, healthy diet
These changes help reduce the strain on your eyes and promote healthier overall vision.
Where to Get Help for Your Dry Eyes
Dry eyes may seem like a minor issue, but the long-lasting impact can be severe. If you’re dealing with dry eyes, don’t put your vision at risk—not when our team at Vision Veritas can help. Through a mix of at-home treatments, dry eye therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, our team can help you find long-lasting relief from your dry eyes. Book an appointment with us today, and get help for your dry eyes!
