Dry Eyes Uncovered: Recognizing the Symptoms and How to Spot the Warning Signs

If you’ve ever felt a stinging or gritty sensation in your eyes, you might be experiencing dry eye syndrome. Though often overlooked, dry eye is a common condition that can significantly impact your comfort and quality of life. At Optic Gallery, we believe in helping patients understand their eye health and recognize the signs of potential concerns early.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye moisture, comfort, and clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even damage to the surface of the eyes.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a range of factors, including:

• Age: Tear production naturally declines with age, especially after 50.

• Environment: Windy, dry climates or prolonged exposure to air conditioning or heaters can contribute to dryness.

• Digital Device Use: Staring at screens reduces blinking, which can cause tears to evaporate more quickly.

• Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can disrupt tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, are known contributors.

• Medications : Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production.

• Eye Surgery:  Refractive surgeries like LASIK can sometimes lead to temporary or chronic dry eye.
   

Recognizing the Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms may vary in intensity, but they often include:

• A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in the eyes

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue, especially after screen time

• A feeling of something "foreign" in the eye

• Watery eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
   

These symptoms may worsen throughout the day or in certain environments. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to long-term damage to the corneal surface and negatively affect your vision.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Optic Gallery Today

Dry eye may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can become a chronic and disruptive condition if not properly managed. Understanding the causes and recognizing the early warning signs is the first step in finding relief. 
 

If dry, irritated eyes are interfering with your day, schedule a consultation at Optic Gallery. Visit our offices located in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks, and Pahrump Nevada, or request your appointment online at www.opticgallery.com