Dry eye is one of the most common ocular conditions in America. Some people have it throughout the year, while others may experience it only during certain seasons. People with dry eye throughout the year usually experience exacerbated symptoms in the fall.

Usually, dry eye causes your eyes to be very uncomfortable because of the symptoms they cause. It can occur due to several causes, including the environment, like pollen or smoke. There are several things you can do to minimize the chances of getting dry eye.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can occur due to three main causes—the environment, medication, or health conditions. All the causes of dry eye fall under these three categories. Below is a more elaborate list of the different causes of dry eye:

• Staying in a dry room or environment or standing in windy conditions.
• Smoke.
• Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease.
• Using your contacts for long hours.
• Digital eyestrain.
• Side effects from medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers, antihistamines, anxiety medication, or antacids.
• Reaction to surgery.

Dry eye may be triggered by pet dander, mold, pollen, smoke, dust mites or perfume.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

When you have dry eye caused by allergens in the environment, you will present with specific symptoms. Some of these will be itchiness or a feeling of sand in the eyes. Your eyes may become watery or red. You may also get a feeling a burning sensation in the eyes.

According to the National Eye Institute, you may also experience sensitivity to light or blurry vision. Sometimes, the symptoms you experience may vary depending on the type of allergen. The symptoms may also include a sore throat or runny nose. 

Prevention of Dry eye

The best way to deal with dry eye during the year is to prevent it altogether. You can prevent dry eye by wearing wraparound glasses to protect your eyes when going outside. Another way to deal with dry eye is to blink often when outside. You can also ensure that you remove makeup before you sleep. Also, avoid using a hair dryer because it causes the tears in your eyes to dry up. 

Dry Eye Treatment

Here are some ways to alleviate dry eye symptoms while at home. 

• Get a humidifier for your house: A humidifier will put moisture in the air, helping your eyes stay hydrated. It will also counter the effect of the air conditioner, which decreases humidity in the air.
• Shut off fans: If you need to have the fan on, ensure that it is at a low speed. Moving air dries out your eyes, which can lead to dry eye.
• Take care of your eyelids: Use eyelid scrubs with baby shampoo and warm compress to produce a more stable lubricant layer. This technique is especially useful if you have issues with your eyelid glands. The heat from the warm compress will make the oil flow easily, and the scrub will open up the glands. 
• Artificial tears: This is the most common treatment for dry eye. It involves using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes when you have dry eye. 

For more on the prevention and treatment of dry eye, visit Alpha Eye Group at our offices in Philadelphia, Wyomissing, Bethlehem Twp, Doylestown, or Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Call (215) 698-7760, (610) 376-7272, (610) 866-1000, (215) 878-7181, (215) 230-4060, or (610) 941-9780 to book an appointment today.