Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes aren’t getting the moisture they need, either because you’re not making enough tears or the ones you do make aren’t high-quality. It’s a common issue, especially as we age, and can leave eyes feeling dry, red, and irritated. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to treat it!

Who Gets Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is more common in older adults since tear production tends to slow down with age. Women often experience it more due to hormonal changes, like those caused by menopause or birth control. Certain medications—like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds—can also reduce tear production.

Other factors can play a role too. Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, and thyroid disorders increase the risk. Environmental factors like smoke, wind, and dust can make things worse, especially in Wichita where we’ve recently seen high allergens and poor air quality.

What Are the Symptoms?

If you’ve ever dealt with dry eye syndrome, you know it’s more than just dryness. Symptoms might include:

• Burning, itching, or stinging sensations
• Redness in the whites of your eyes
• Watery eyes (your body’s attempt to compensate for dryness)
• Blurry vision or trouble focusing
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Soreness or fatigue around your eyes
• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
• Difficulty driving at night due to glare

What Can You Do About Dry Eyes?

Before selecting a treatment, we recommend a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause of your dry eyes.

• Low Level Light Therapy: Lentz Eye Care’s Dry Eye Clinic provides a specially designed non-invasive red light therapy to treat dry eye conditions. It is non-invasive and pain free.
• Artificial tears and ointments: Available over the counter, these can keep your eyes lubricated throughout the day.
• Specialized contact lenses: Some lenses are designed to help retain moisture while you wear them.
• Omega-3 supplements: These may improve tear quality and production.
• In-office treatments or surgery: In some cases, procedures like unblocking oil glands near your lashes or other laser treatments may be necessary.

 Dry eye syndrome can be frustrating, but you don’t have to live with it. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, there’s a treatment option that can help. Don’t wait— make an appointment with  Lentz Eye Care to find relief today!