Eye Doctor Edmonton | Dry Eye Syndrome is a Common Affliction

Eye Doctor Edmonton | Dry Eye Syndrome is a Common Affliction

More adults suffer from dry eye syndrome then many people believe according to eye doctor Edmonton. And especially in a dry climate such as Alberta, it is estimated that 90% of all adults experience symptoms associated with dry eyes.

The first thing that people need to understand is dry eye syndrome is the name for many different symptoms. And while some of the symptoms are very obvious, such as burning, itchy and red eyes.

Other symptoms are less obvious. And often have people making the assumption that the problem is something different than it is.

They often visit eye doctor Edmonton with complaints that they think their eyeglasses prescription has changed. And when they get the eye exam.

Eye doctor Edmonton finds that their prescription is absolutely fine. But they are just experiencing the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

Some of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome include fluctuating vision. Where they see fine at sometimes, and see blurred or double vision at other times.

They might find that first thing in the morning they have perfect vision. And as the day goes on or as they get tired. They will have worsening vision in one or both eyes.

Or they have great vision throughout the day, but after spending more than a couple of hours on a computer or an electronic device. They end up complaining that they can no longer focus once they stop using the computer.

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Other people tend to complain to their doctor that it feels as though they have a foreign body in their eye, or have a feeling like there is sandpaper on the inside of their eyelids.

They tend to associate this problem with lack of sleep. And when they sleep, they wake up with better vision. And that perpetuates the assumption that their problem is lack of sleep.

When fact, the problem is dry eye syndrome. Where their eyes are either not producing enough tears. Or they are not producing a good enough quality of tears to continue to lubricate the front surface of their eyes.

When people are not producing enough tears. This is often because they have blocked tear ducts. Sometimes using a warm compress can unblock their tear ducts.

Or they might need eyedrops that are anti-inflammatory in nature. So that they can lessen the swelling in their tear ducts, and because their eyes to begin tearing once more.

They might not be producing enough tears because they are dehydrated. And if people end up drinking more water throughout the day, that can often be enough to combat dry eye syndrome

Or they are experiencing inflammation or atrophy of their oil producing glands. When this happens, the oil production is stunted, and people can end up with teary eyes. That do not actually lubricate their eyes.

This oil is used to keep the tears on the surface of the eye. And prevent the tears from evaporating quickly. And thus keeping the eyes lubricated.

Because of how important well lubricated eyes are to being able to see clearly. If people are experiencing any of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. They should contact their eye doctor immediately for an examination.

Eye Doctor Edmonton | Dry Eye Syndrome is a Common Affliction

Most adults will end up experiencing symptoms of dry eye throughout their lifetime according to eye doctor Edmonton. However people in Alberta will experience dry eye syndrome more frequently than people in other climates.

This is because Alberta is notoriously dry, and the weather can cause tears to evaporate off the surface of people’s eyes very quickly. Letting them experience the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

If people are experiencing burning, itchy or red eyes. If they have excessive tearing, or feel like they have a foreign body in their eye. As well as fluctuating vision. They should immediately make an appointment for eye doctor Edmonton.

These are all symptoms of dry eye syndrome, and there are many diagnostic tests available to diagnose dry eye syndrome. These tests are all included in the regular examination.

So that even if they do not bring this up as a concern. Their optometrist should be able to see if they are experiencing problems.

The different testing they can use includes measuring a patient’s tear production and tear of evaporation rate. Using stains and dies to look at the tears underneath the microscope. To see if the tears have enough lubricating oil in them.

They can also look directly at the cells of the cornea, and visually check the tear ducts and oil producing glands. To see if they are swollen or experiencing any atrophy.

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Depending on the reason why people are experiencing dry eye syndrome. Eye doctor Edmonton will be able to prescribe a number of treatments that can help.

The first thing that an optometrist will do, is changing the patient’s environment and lifestyle. In order to remove irritants that can cause dry eye syndrome.

The reason why this is the first step. Is because often it is the only steps needed. And even if people take a different course of treatment. If they have not changed their environment or lifestyle. The treatment may not be effective at all.

This includes removing irritants from their environment such as if they have eyelash extensions. They should remove them or stop getting them altogether. Reducing or limiting computer time when necessary. And when they cannot to reduce their computer time anymore. They need to take breaks every twenty minutes.

If people are smoking, they should stop if possible. But if not, limit their smoking to outside only. So that the smoke does not dry out the room that they are in.

In addition to that, they will recommend that people start using humidifiers at home and at work if possible. Eat foods with lots of omega-3, because that can help produce the oil that lubricates their tears. And drinking lots of water.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome. They can even change their lifestyle and their environment. So that they can see if those changes makes a difference to their symptoms. So that they may not need to use medication to fix their symptoms at all.