Tackling Dry Eyes at
Orangeville Vision Development Centre
Dry eye is a common condition that can affect your quality of life. At our clinic, we understand the discomfort that dry eye can bring, and we are here to help. Learn more about dry eye, its symptoms, causes, who is at risk, and the effective treatments we offer. Don’t forget to book your eye exam today to get personalized care and solutions.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. This condition, also known as dry eye syndrome, can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Experiencing dry eye can be uncomfortable, with symptoms that may include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus around or in your eyes
- Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
- Redness of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Feeling like something is in your eyes
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
Causes of Dry Eye
A variety of factors can cause dry eye, including:
- Aging, as tear production tends to decrease as you get older
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women during pregnancy, menopause, or with the use of contraceptives
- Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems
- Environmental conditions like exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates
- Long-term use of contact lenses
Who is at Risk for Dry Eye?
Anyone can experience dry eyes, but certain groups are more at risk:
- Older adults, typically over the age of 50
- Women, especially those experiencing hormonal changes
- Individuals with autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammatory diseases
- People who work in dry or dusty environments
- Users of digital devices which may increase the risk due to reduced blinking rates
Treatments for Dry Eye
Effective dry eye treatment is available, and it starts with a comprehensive eye exam to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Artificial tear drops, eye masks, lid wipes and ointments
- Prescription eye drops that help increase tear production
- Procedures to close the tear ducts and prevent the loss of tears
- Manual expressions to open up the tear producing glands
- Special contact lenses provided on our contact lenses page can significantly alleviate discomfort
- Lifestyle and home remedies, such as using a humidifier and taking eye breaks during long tasks
The cost of dry eye treatment can vary depending on the severity and the type of treatment required. We strive to provide affordable care and offer various treatment options for different budgets.
Book Your Eye Exam
Don’t let dry eye affect your life any longer. Visit our eye exam page to schedule an appointment with one of our expert optometrists. Learn more about us and our commitment to your eye health on our About Us page. We look forward to helping you see more clearly and comfortably.