Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes are not adequately lubricated and nourished. This can be due to either not enough tears being produced or the tears that are produced are of poor quality. It's very common, especially among older adults, and can cause chronic redness in the whites of the eyes. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for dry eye syndrome. In this blog post, we will discuss who gets it, what causes it, and treatment options.
Dry eye syndrome is more common among older individuals since tear production decreases with age. Women tend to get it more often due to hormonal changes brought on by oral contraceptives or menopause. Certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and antidepressants can also have adverse effects on tear production. Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, thyroid conditions as well as stroke patients and those with fibromyalgia are also at an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Working in an environment with smoke, wind, dust or debris can also contribute to dry eye syndrome as can dehydration from not drinking enough water or having too much caffeine.
Symptoms include burning sensations in the eyes along with itching and stinging; excessive amounts of tears; blurry vision; discomfort when wearing contact lenses; light sensitivity; soreness around the eyes; stringy mucus in or around your eyes; redness in the whites of your eyes; fatigue from straining your eyes; and difficulty driving at night because of decreased visibility due to glare from car headlights.
Fortunately there are a variety of treatment options available for dry eye syndrome that range from over-the-counter artificial tears to prescription medications depending on the severity of your condition. These treatments may include using over-the-counter artificial tears or ointments throughout the day to keep your eyes lubricated; using specially designed contact lenses that help retain moisture while you wear them; taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements which have been known to improve tear production; using punctal plugs which block your tear ducts so that tears remain on your eyeballs longer instead of evaporating quickly which helps keep them lubricated; and undergoing laser surgery if needed which helps unblock clogged oil glands near your eyelashes that produce natural oils necessary for keeping your eyeballs moistened.
Dry eye syndrome is a very common condition that affects both young and old alike but is particularly prevalent among older individuals as well as women due to certain hormonal changes they experience throughout their lives. While symptoms may vary from person to person depending on their own unique situation there are a variety of treatments available ranging from over-the-counter artificial tears all the way up to laser surgery if needed so no matter what you should never suffer needlessly - speak with your doctor today about finding relief!