Are your eyes constantly itchy? Do you find yourself rubbing them frequently to try to get relief? If so, you’re not alone. Everyone experiences itchy eyes at some point in their lives, but itchiness can often be a sign of a serious underlying condition like dry eye.
Dry eye can be frustrating and difficult to live with, affecting your quality of life and sometimes even your vision. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your symptoms so you can see comfortably again. In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about dry eye, including the symptoms, causes, and how to find relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when your tears no longer work the way they should. This condition can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as burning, redness, irritation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and the feeling like something is stuck in your eye. Dry eye can also make it challenging to wear contact lenses or stare at screens for too long. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor experienced in dry eye care.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye can be caused by many different factors. Aging is one of the most common causes since tear production tends to decline as you get older. Some other causes include certain medications or health conditions and environmental factors like dry air, wind, and air conditioning. Women are also at a higher risk of developing dry eye due to hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and menopause or from taking birth control.
How to find relief
If you’re experiencing dry, itchy eyes, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to find relief. Depending on the severity of your case, your eye doctor may suggest prescription eye drops, ointments, or lifestyle changes to help manage and alleviate dryness. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, taking frequent breaks from screens, using a humidifier at home, and wearing sunglasses outdoors on windy days are all ways to prevent dry eye symptoms.
In many cases, dry eye can be effectively managed and relieved with over-the-counter eye drops or at-home remedies. However, if your dry eye symptoms persist or get worse, our eye doctor in Murfreesboro can help you find relief. Dr. Joshua Garrett at Integrity Eye Care uses advanced diagnostic technology to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and the best treatment options. Everyone’s eye health needs are different, so we make sure to personalize your care to fit your unique requirements. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.