Cases of Dry Eye Syndrome in the Orlando area are increasing. Symptoms include:
Burning or stinging of the eyes
Feeling of heavy eyelids or as if sand was in the eye
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Redness or pain in the eyes
Contact lenses that are uncomfortable
Tired eyes and conjunctivitis
A decreased tolerance for any activity that requires sustained visual attention, such as working on the computer or reading.
If you have any of these symptoms. it is important to contact Lake Nona Eye Care for an accurate diagnosis.
“The prevalence of dry eye syndrome increases with age. An estimated 3.2 million women age 50 and over and 1.68 million men age 50 and over are affected by dry eye syndrome,” according tot he American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Tears are important for both clear vision and proper eye health. Dry eyes can be chronic or just temporary. There are many causes of dry eyes, one of the most common is the side effect of some medications, such as anti-depressants and birth control. Dry eyes can also be caused by allergies, infrequent blinking, immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Dry Eye Syndrome is defined by the National Eye Institute:
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon.
Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the air inside an airplane.
It’s common for those living in the Orlando area to experience dry eyes, though it is often worse in the fall and winter when the weather is cooler and there is less humidity.
Vision is a vital part of our everyday life, don’t take it for granted. Lake Nona Eye Care offers affordable eye exams, as well as contact lenses and glasses all at a great price!