Ready for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye disease is a chronic eye problem with progressive symptoms, from mild discomfort to impaired vision. Dry eye is often caused by poor tear production, leaving your eyes vulnerable to complications, including eye infections and corneal scarring. It can make wearing contact lenses or completing everyday visual tasks challenging when your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, or tired.

Dry eye therapy can help you get your symptoms under control and prevent worsening eye problems. Contact us at Santa Cruz Optometric Center for dry eye relief.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Many environmental and health factors can cause dry eye symptoms. However, the most significant contributor to dry eye disease is insufficient or inadequate tears. While you’re probably familiar with emotional tears for joy or sorrow, basal tears are crucial for lubricating your eyes.

Tear Film & Eye Health

The tear film is a layer of basal tears that spreads across the eye’s surface when you blink. Your tears keep your eyes nourished and moisturized, washing away bacteria, keeping vision clear, and protecting your eyes from foreign objects.

There are 3 layers: oil (meibum), water, and mucus. Each component is essential for maintaining eye health and vision.

External Causes

External factors, from the environment to health conditions, can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms. Some common external causes include:

Age
Climate
Medications
Skin & eyelid disorders
Eye surgery

Dry Eye Disease Symptoms

People with dry eye can experience a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:

Burning or stinging
Blurry vision
Gritty or scratchy eyes
Light sensitivity
Stringy mucus
Redness
Watery eyes

Treating Dry Eye

Recommended treatment varies depending on your ocular health. Having more than one option in your treatment tool kit can help alleviate any immediate or chronic symptoms. For example, over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears can provide fast relief for short-term dry eye.

Practicing healthy eye care tips can be helpful for short-term and long-term dry eye. Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks. Support your eye health through essential vitamins and nutrients. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve the oily layer of tears.

When you’re experiencing dry eye, talk to your eye doctor at Santa Cruz Optometric Center. Relief is possible. Request an appointment today for personalized dry eye therapy.

Contact Us