Dry eyes can interfere with everyday activities, as well as being irritating and uncomfortable. With about 5 million Americans suffering from dry eyes, relief can be as easy as an eye exam at Lake Nona Eye Care.
What are Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is when there is insufficient tears to nourish and lubricate the eye. Every time you blink, tears are swept across the cornea. These tears not only provide lubrication, they keep the surface of the eye clear and smooth, wash out any foreign matter, and reduces eye infections.
How Did I Get Dry Eyes?
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, both environmental and biological. 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.
What Are The Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
There are many symptoms of dry eyes, the most common 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, or a decreased tolerance for any activity that requires sustained visual attention, such as working on the computer or reading.
Treating Dry Eyes
The first step in treating dry eyes, and the most important, is visit Lake Nona Eye Care to determine the cause of the dryness. Dr. Ward can help determine the cause of dry eyes through a comprehensive exam and recommend a treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops, silicone plugs inserted in the tear ducts, rewetting drops for your contact lenses, changing the brand of contact lenses, washing the tear ducts, or nutritional supplements.