Dry Eye syndrome is exactly what you’d think it is – when your eyes get dry. Specifically, it is when your eyes are unable to produce enough quality tears to keep your eyes moist, comfortable, and healthy.
Typically, the eye continually bathes itself in tears, and when your eye is unable to produce these tears, it tends to dry out your eye. This condition is known as Dry Eye.
There are many different warning signs when you are experiencing Dry Eye, and if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should reach out to your eye doctor immediately. The usual symptoms include the following:
Discomfort of the Eye
When you are experiencing Dry Eye, you will also most likely experience physical discomfort of the eye. This eye discomfort can arrive in many different forms, including:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- A dry or filmy feeling
- Scratchiness
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Physical Changes to the Eye
Your eye may also start to change in appearance. More times than not, this will result in redness of the eye. You may also experience excess tearing or watery eyes. This is your body’s natural response to the irritation of dry eyes.
Difficulty with Your Vision
Dry Eye can tend to affect your vision as well, which may be your initial symptoms of the condition. These symptoms can include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and headaches. You may also start finding it difficult to wear your contact lenses or drive at night.
Feeling That Something is in Your Eye
Experiencing a feeling of having a foreign body in your eyes is another symptom of Dry Eye. Frequently, you may actually have an irritant in your eye. This may be stringy mucus in or around the eye, or excessive eye irritations from smoke or wind.
It is important to note that Dry Eye symptoms can worsen in dry climates, cold weather, low humidity, or heavy winds.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your eye doctor for an eye exam. An ophthalmologist is usually able to diagnose Dry Eye by examining the eyes or by performing tests that measure tear production.
Are you ready to treat your Dry Eye syndrome? Call Illinois Eye Center today at (309) 243-2400 to schedule your next eye exam and ask our team about the three more advanced treatments we offer for Dry Eye: iLux, BlephEx, and TrueTear.
Our team will help you determine which Dry Eye treatment best suits your needs.