Healthy eyes naturally lubricate themselves with tears throughout the day. However, you can experience redness, itching, and infections if they don’t produce enough moisture. While an optometrist can determine the specific cause behind dry eyes and recommend a treatment plan customized to your needs, here’s a basic guide to the condition. 

Causes

Dryness occurs when there aren’t enough quality tears to lubricate the eyes. Many people experience the problem due to age, as after age 65, the body can struggle to stay hydrated and produce enough tears. Dry eyes also develop as side effects caused by drugs that absorb moisture from the body, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medication.

Environmental factors like exposure to air pollution or toxins can also decrease moisture production. Additionally, these elements can impact the quality of tears. For example, if the liquids contain too much water and not enough natural oil, they cannot coat the eyes as evenly as they should.

Treatment

Optometrists often diagnose dry eyes with a basic eye exam and a patient’s description of their symptoms and medical history. Depending on the condition’s exact cause, a provider can recommend eye drops to supplement fluid production. 

In some cases, drops can spur the tear ducts to produce more natural moisture. Eye doctors can also prescribe medication or ointment to fight inflammation or infections impacting the ducts or drainage. 

Prevention Tips

Protecting the eyes from environmental hazards, staying hydrated, and blinking or resting eyes frequently can prevent some cases of dryness. Specifically, smog, heaters, and air blowing directly into the visual organs cause irritation, leading to the condition. However, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and using humidifiers in winter or dry conditions can help. You should also take breaks from staring at screens throughout the day, lubricating the eyes by blinking and closing them.

If you’re looking for an optometrist to diagnose or treat dry eyes, visit Wise Vision Care in Elizabethtown, KY. Serving clients throughout Hardin and Larue County since 1995, this eye doctor provides personalized care for various eye diseases. With their experience, they will cater their suggestions to each patient’s individual needs and symptoms. Visit the website to learn how they can help with dry eyes, and call (270) 769-3708 to request an appointment.