Have you found yourself rubbing your eyes and running for eye drops to try and find relief? If your vision is slightly blurred and you have looked in the mirror to discover that your itching eyes are also bloodshot, then you may be part of a large segment of the population experiencing a condition known as Dry Eye.
Dry Eye is a common condition that many Americans experience regularly. According to recent research, some demographics are more at risk than others. For example, an estimated 4.9 million Americans age 50 and older have Dry Eye. Of this group, over 3 million who suffer are women. Women, especially those over 50 years of age, tend to experience Dry Eye more so than men.
Dry Eye occurs when an individual’s eyes either do not produce enough tears to maintain a healthy covering over the eye or if the tears produced are ineffective. Most often Dry Eye is caused by a blocked tear duct and is easily remedied. Many patients, however, do not associate their discomfort or vision issues with Dry Eye. Instead, many attribute symptoms to allergies, lack of sleep, or thinking they have a foreign object in their eye.
The symptoms can vary, but the most common tend to be burning, scratchiness, blurry vision, and red eyes. Because these also tend to be symptoms of several other eye conditions, a diagnosis for Dry Eye requires an exam by an eye doctor at a licensed ophthalmology practice.
The examination, among other tests, typically involves measuring the amount and viscosity of a patient’s tears. Fortunately, there are several treatments. Common treatments include a prescription of either pills or eye drops along with lifestyle changes. There are also some new therapies that have proven extremely effective in remedying the condition and providing relief for patients.
Those who wear contacts, have a Vitamin A deficiency, or with specific autoimmune diseases are more at risk of Dry Eye. Patients experiencing recurring symptoms on a regular basis should schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a licensed eye doctor like those at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. Call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or use our online contact form to begin scheduling your appointment today.
