What Causes Dry Eye and How Can It Be Treated?

Do your eyes ever feel gritty, like you have sand in them? Maybe they get red or burn by the end of the day. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many people experience this, and it is called dry eye. But here’s the thing: it is not just about needing more tears; it is usually about tears that dry up too quickly.

Let us take a look at why this happens and how we can help your eyes feel better.

 

The Real Problem With Dry Eyes

To keep your eyes comfortable, they need a balance of water, oil, and mucus. The most important layer is the oil layer because it helps prevent your tears from evaporating too fast.

Tiny glands in your eyelids make this oil. For people with dry eyes, these glands often get clogged. When this happens, the oil cannot get out, and your tears dry up almost instantly. That is why eye drops that just add water often do not work; they do not fix the real issue: the clogged glands.

Modern life can make this worse. Staring at screens makes you blink less, and blinking is what helps pump the oil out of your glands. Things like air conditioning and heating can dry out the air. Even certain medications or getting older can affect how well your glands work.

 

How We Can Fix the Root of the Problem

The good news is that we can now treat the root cause of dry eyes: clogged glands. In the past, we only used drops to wet the eyes, but now we can address what is really going on.

The first step is a simple test to check how your glands are working. We will take a close look to see if they are clogged, and from there, create a plan just for you.

If your glands are clogged, we have in-office treatments that can make a big difference. One involves a gentle, warm massage to help clear out the glands, and another uses special light therapy to reduce the swelling around your eyelids. Both treatments are quick and comfortable.

We may also suggest prescription eye drops that help your eyes make more of their own natural tears, rather than just adding a temporary wet layer.

 

Your Path to More Comfortable Eyes

If dry eyes are bothering you, the best thing you can do is schedule a checkup to figure out exactly what is causing the problem.

In the meantime, here are a few simple tips that can help many people:

• Every 20 minutes while using a screen, focus on an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Doing this will help your eyes rest and help you blink normally.
• Use a humidifier at your desk.
• Wear sunglasses on windy days.
• Eat foods rich in healthy fats (like fish and walnuts) to help your glands produce healthy oils.

You do not have to live with dry, uncomfortable eyes. By identifying the cause, we can create a plan for long-term relief.

For more on dry eye causes and treatment, visit Burrell Family Eye Care. Our office is in Trooper, Pennsylvania. Call (610) 631-1142 to book an appointment today.