Eye Doctor Edmonton | Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Eye Doctor Edmonton | Common Causes of Dry Eyes

The majority of adults will experience symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome in their lifetime says eye doctor Edmonton. And there are many different things that can contribute to the wide variety of symptoms associated with this chronic condition.

However, many people may not realize what dry eye syndrome is. This is the name for a group of symptoms, that causes a person to either not have enough tears in their eyes. Or their body does not produce a good enough quality of tears.

Tears are an important component to vision and health. Because they provide nutrients to the front surface of the eyes. That helps people maintain good eye health.

Tears also work to flush away bacteria as well as foreign bodies out of the eye. And provide a smooth surface for light to pass through. So that people can see clearly.

When people are not producing enough tears, this could be because their tear ducts are blocked. Or because they are dehydrated.

Therefore, people might want to be proactive in applying a warm compress to unblock any tear ducts. Or, by increasing the amount of water that they are drinking. To be hydrated enough to produce tears.

Another reason why people experience dry eye syndrome. Is because they do not produce a good enough quality of tears. In order to ensure that the tears can do their job properly.

There needs to be something in the tears that allow the tears to adhere to the front surface of the eye. And without this, the tears will simply run off the front surface of the eye, without lubricating the eye.

As well, there needs to be something in the tears that keep the tears from evaporating off the surface of the eye. And this is the oil that the body produces to mix in with the tears, in order to keep the tears in the eye.

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People may not be producing a good enough quality of tears with this oil. Because they do not have the right nutrition. Or because the oil producing glands are blocked atrophying, or swollen.

As well, anything that causes chronic inflammation to the surface of the eyes can cause dry eye syndrome. Such as people who get eyelash extensions, people who smoke, or people who use computers a lot.

In addition to that, eye doctor Edmonton says if people end up getting tattooed eyeliner. This can actually damage tear ducts and oil producing glands. Making it hard or impossible for person to tear up.

Depending on the reason why people are experiencing dry eye syndrome. Or eye doctor Edmonton will have a variety of treatments that they can utilize to help the symptoms.

These can be everything from changing the patient’s environment, such as removing eyelash extensions, taking breaks when using computers for extended periods of time.

And eliminating smoking. Or at least asking people to smoke outside where it will not dry out their room. To using lubricating eyedrops with medication.

Because dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition. People need to understand that they are likely going to be managing symptoms for their entire life.

Which is why it extremely important that they ensure that their environment is as beneficial to their eyes as possible. So that with the use of medication, they may be able to limit or slow down the amount of medication they need to treat this syndrome.

Eye Doctor Edmonton | Common Causes of Dry Eyes

While one of the most common cause of dry eyes is environment says eye doctor Edmonton. Which is why people in extremely dry environments like Alberta experience symptoms associated with the syndrome.

However, dry climate is not the only cause of dry eye syndrome. There can be a number of environmental factors such as smoking, excessive computer use, and diet.

However, medical conditions can end up causing it dry eye syndrome. Such as people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, or a wide variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases.

Because of this, controlling the medical conditions becomes an important way that people can control dry eye syndrome.

In addition to that, eye doctor Edmonton cautions that some medications that people take may cause dryness in their eyes. And this is important to note as a side effect to the medication.

When people are experiencing the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome. That include fluctuating vision, blurred vision or double vision.

As well as burning, red and itchy eyes. Or feeling that they have a foreign body in their eye. As well as excessive tearing can all be symptoms associated with this chronic condition.

If they are experiencing any of these syndrome symptoms. They should make an appointment with eye doctor Edmonton right away. Because there are several different diagnostic tests available.

They will first take a family history of dry eyes, before testing the modality of the tears. Measuring tear production and tear evaporation rate.

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In addition to that, their optometrist will be able to actually look at the cornea to see if it is healthy. As well as actually check the tear producing ducts, and the oil producing glands.

If there is any physical problem with the tear ducts or glands, such as atrophy, swelling or being blocked. They optometrist will be able to see that, and suggest a treatment that can help address that specific problem.

The first thing that their optometrist will suggest, is changing the patient’s environment to remove common irritants. And help the patients have less dry eyes without medication.

This is often because people may not need medication at all. Once they change their environment, such as removing eyelash extensions, taking computer breaks, and hydrating well.

As well, even if people do end up needing medication. If they do not change their environment and lifestyle first. The prescription eyedrops that they get may not be effective.

Therefore, people should discuss with their optometrist about what they need to do in order to change their environment. So that they can have the best environment for their eyes.

And then follow up, to see if they are still experiencing symptoms. And if they need to use eyedrops. Either over-the-counter or prescription that can help address their issues.

However, people need to understand that because dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition. They are going to be managing symptoms for the rest of their life. Because it is going to be a long-term treatment plan.

If patients ever feel like they no longer needs to treats their dry eye syndrome and discontinue treatment. They may find that their symptoms come back, worse than ever before.