One of the most common eye conditions afflicting Americans is dry eye disease. This condition is uncomfortable, causing your eyes to itch and burn among other symptoms. If left untreated, dry eye disease can cause vision issues in the future. Dry eye disease has several factors that can cause it, or make it worse. Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce your risk of suffering from dry eye disease.
What is dry eye disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or they produce tears that are of low quality. There are many reasons you may not be making the tears you need, such as aging, allergies, diabetes, lupus, certain types of medications, damage from radiation, or tear gland damage.
Dry eyes can also occur because your tears are evaporating too quickly. This can occur when it is windy or smokey, when you are not blinking enough, when you are working at a computer, and / or your eyelids are not properly functioning.
How can you reduce the risk of dry eye disease?
Dry eye symptoms can be quite miserable. Here are some ways you can reduce your chances of suffering from dry eye disease:
- Use a humidifier. If the air in your home or office is too dry, it may be causing your eyes to dry out. A humidifier will take care of this issue.
- Take a break. When you are concentrating on a computer or reading, it is a good idea to give your eyes a break so you can blink more, therefore, moisturize your eyes more.
- Avoid blowing air. Try to stay out of the wind and not be in the path of fans or other items that may blow air at you. This air can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, and therefore cause your eyes to dry out.
- Get wraparound glasses and / or sunglasses. When they wrap around, you are protected from wind and dry air.
At South Palm Eye Associates, we treat dry eye symptoms, so you don’t have to suffer.
Our eye doctors diagnose and treat the causes of your dry eye disease to alleviate or eliminate the symptoms. Call us at 561-737-4040 today and set up your appointment for dry eye treatment in Boynton Beach, such as LipiFlow® and BlephEx.™