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What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Jun 1, 2024 | Dry Eye Syndrome

Do your eyes feel dry, scratchy, or irritated? Have you been dealing with blurry vision or sensitivity to light recently? These could be signs of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. In this blog post, we will explore some common symptoms of dry eye and how to manage this uncomfortable condition. 

Gritty eyes 

One of the most common symptoms of dry eye is a feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes. You may feel like there is something in your eye (like sand or dirt), but there’s nothing there. Environmental factors like wind, smoke, and air conditioning can trigger this sensation or make it worse.  

Watery eyes 

Watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eyes. This may sound strange, but it’s true! This happens when the eyes try to compensate for dryness by producing too many tears. However, these tears are not the right type of tears and don’t stay on the surface of your eyes long enough.  

Redness 

If you have dry eye, you may also notice redness in your eyes. This redness is caused by inflammation and irritation due to the lack of moisture on the surface of your eyes. It can make your eyes appear bloodshot and tired. 

Blurry vision 

Blurred vision is another common symptom of dry eye. When your eyes don’t get enough moisture, it can affect the quality of your vision. You may have difficulty focusing or experience fluctuations in your visual clarity.  

Light sensitivity 

Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is a symptom that many people with dry eye experience. You may have trouble looking at bright lights or keeping your eyes open for an extended period. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dry eye specialist in Murfreesboro for a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis. Dry eye syndrome can be managed with various treatments like artificial tears, medications, lifestyle changes, or even minor surgery in severe cases. Even little changes can make a big difference in finding relief, such as using a humidifier at home, wearing protective eyewear on windy days, or taking breaks from screens.  

Our experienced eye doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend personalized treatment options to help relieve your discomfort and improve your overall eye health. Don’t ignore the signs because dry eye can lead to complications if left untreated! Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find a treatment that works for you.