Every time you blink, your eyes get a bath from a fluid that’s a combination of oil, water, and mucus. This combination of fluids is what makes up the tears we have in our eyes. When you blink and produce these tears, this fluid spreads over your eyes, keeping them smooth, hydrated, and clear of irritants.

When our eyes are healthy, they produce enough tears to keep our eyes moist on their own. But, at times, they may not make enough tears, or something can impact one of the layers of fluid, leading to dry and irritated eyes.

With millions of Americans suffering from dry eyes, it’s no surprise if you have experienced this discomforting feeling. Let’s take a look at why dry eyes happen, the symptoms of dry eye, and how your eye doctor can help you find relief. 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes, as we mentioned, occur when your eyes don’t make enough tears or one of the layers of the fluid that make up tears are impacted. There are many reasons this may occur, and finding out the cause of your dry eye is key to your eye doctor choosing the right treatment option.

Some causes of dry eye include:

• Your age. Unfortunately, as we age, dry eyes often become a common occurrence. People over the age of 65 tend to experience dry eye symptoms.
• Your medical conditions. Some medical conditions like arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, and blepharitis can all cause dry eyes. Certain medications used to treat these conditions, and others, can also cause dry eye.
• Your contact lens use. Dry eyes with contact lens use occur often.
• Environmental factors such as exposure to smoke and allergens. Dry eyes are a common issue for allergy sufferers.
• Your computer use. Spending a lot of time in front of screens can cause dry eyes, which is a symptom of digital eye strain.
• Hormonal changes in women, especially during pregnancy and menopause.

What Are Symptoms of Dry Eyes?

Now that you know what causes dry eyes, you may be wondering, “what does dry eye feel like?” Dry eyes have more symptoms than just feeling like your eyes dry; it can also cause:

• Red eyes
• Burning or stinging sensations in the eye
• Blurry vision, which can lead to headaches
• Sensitivity to light

Dry eyes are also often associated with having watery eyes. Sounds a little odd, right? When our eyes are irritated, such as when they are dry, the eye tries to self-correct by producing more tears than normal, leading to watery eyes.

Diagnosing and Treating Dry Eyes: Getting the Relief You Need

“There’s no one-size fits all approach to fixing dry eye syndrome,” said VSP network eye doctor Jen Wademan. “Based on what’s causing your dry eye, your eye doctor can offer personalized solutions and lasting relief for your dry eye.”

Your VSP network eye doctor can diagnose and treat dry eye, giving you the relief you need. To diagnose the cause of your dry eye, they will perform an eye exam and look at your eyelids and the surface of your eye. They may also perform additional tests to check your tear thickness and production.

Depending on what they find, your eye doctor may recommend different treatment options, such as eye drops, prescription medications, tear plugs, or lifestyle changes. Dry eye caused by allergies, for example, may require eye drops combined with switching to glasses from contacts and avoiding allergens by keeping windows shut.

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, don’t delay; contact your VSP network doctor today. They can help you find relief and ensure your eyes stay healthy. When you visit a VSP Premier Edge^TM location, including private practice doctors and Visionworks^®, you’ll have access to advanced exam technology. 

Premier Edge is not available for some members in the state of Texas. 

Article provided by VSP. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.