Are your eyes constantly dry and irritated, no matter how much you blink? Maybe your eyes feel tired or heavy after a long workday or using your phone. For some, the discomfort can lead to blurry vision or a gritty sensation, like there’s something stuck in your eye. These are all signs that you might be dealing with dry eye, a common and sometimes chronic condition.
What are the most common causes of dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears don’t have the right consistency to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Dry eyes can occur for several reasons, including age (more common after 40), environmental factors such as dry air or windy days, medications, or underlying health conditions. It may also be linked to problems with your tear glands or eye inflammation. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: your eyes don’t get the moisture they need to stay comfortable.
How do I know if I have dry eye?
The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild to severe, and they often include:
- A gritty, sandy, or foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Burning or stinging, especially after long periods of reading or screen time
- Redness or irritation
- Intermittent blurry vision
- Excessive tearing, even though your eyes feel dry
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses due to dryness
Many people with dry eyes don’t even realize they’re suffering from this condition, as the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for allergies or another condition. However, the impact on your daily life can be significant, making reading, working, or even watching a movie uncomfortable. If this sounds familiar, in-office treatments are available that can treat the root causes of your dry eyes, providing lasting relief and improving your overall eye health.
How to find relief from dry eye
Over-the-counter eye drops and home remedies can sometimes provide temporary relief, but they typically only mask the symptoms and don’t address the underlying cause of your dry eye. If your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it may be time to seek more advanced treatment.
At SIGHT, we offer a range of effective dry eye treatments in West Hartford, Connecticut, that target the root causes of dry eye, including:
- OptiLight IPL therapy: Uses gentle light pulses to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality.
- Radiofrequency treatment: Stimulates the meibomian glands in your eyelids to restore the natural oils in your tears, improving lubrication.
- TearCare® system: Uses controlled heat therapy to unclog your meibomian glands, allowing for better tear production.
- LipiFlow® thermal pulsation system: A cutting-edge system that combines heat and massage to improve gland function and tear production.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent dry eye that doesn’t seem to get better with over-the-counter drops or home remedies, our eye care professionals can help you find a better solution. Schedule an appointment today and let’s work together to improve your comfort and eye health.
