Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

At least 16.4 million Americans have dry eye disease (DED), but the actual number may be even higher, considering many people go undiagnosed. The condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears you make aren’t of high quality, leaving your eyes dry, irritated, or uncomfortable. 

DED affects people from all walks of life, but particularly older individuals, people who work at computers, and those who wear contact lenses. Thankfully, various treatments can effectively manage the symptoms.

At Eye Surgeons Associates, which serves patients in Canton, Livonia, and Monroe, Michigan, our team of caring ophthalmologists provides high-quality care for DED. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and therapies you can use to relieve symptoms.

What causes dry eye disease?

DED occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly. More specifically, it’s often due to an imbalance between the three substances that make up your tear film: mucus, fatty oils, and aqueous fluid. The right combination of these components keeps your eyes moist and inflammation-free, but an imbalance can cause your tears to become unstable.

Various factors can disrupt your tear film, including allergies, inflamed tear ducts, hormone fluctuations, and underlying medical issues. Regardless, you don’t have to live with discomfort. Early diagnosis can help prevent DED from worsening and keep your vision sharp.

How to tell if you have DED

The best way to determine if you have DED is to monitor your symptoms. It may be to blame if you experience:

• Eye redness and irritation
• Burning, stinging, or scratching sensations
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Eye fatigue, especially after using electronics or driving

Some people with DED have watery eyes, and while this may seem counterintuitive, it’s usually a response to irritation. However, reflex tearing doesn’t lubricate the eyes effectively, often making symptoms worse. 

When to see a doctor for dry eyes

Make an appointment with our expert team if you have dry eyes that last for several weeks or months and don’t improve with at-home treatments, like warm compresses or over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. This is especially true if the irritation makes it difficult to drive or hard to focus during the work day.

Before making treatment recommendations, we discuss your symptoms, review your medical records, and complete a comprehensive eye exam. We also conduct several tests, including a Schirmer’s test to measure your tear production and a tear breakup time test (TBUT) to assess how long it takes for your tear film to break up.  

How is DED treated?

We take a conservative, integrative approach to treating DED. We may suggest:

• Environmental adjustments, such as closing your windows and running a humidifier
• Reviewing the medications you take to determine if any worsen your symptoms
• Prescription eyedrops
• Prescription medication to improve tear balance and enhance tear production
• Punctal plugs to help keep your eyes moist
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Intense-pulsed light (IPL) therapy

Many patients with dry eyes benefit from several of these treatments. It often takes some trial and error to determine the right combination. To ensure a positive outcome, follow your eye doctor's instructions, attend your scheduled checkups, and take any medication as prescribed.

Schedule dry eye treatment today

Dry eye disease is a common but treatable condition, especially with the right care. If you’re tired of red, itchy eyes, seek professional help.

To begin treatment, request a consultation at the nearest Eye Surgeons Associates office. Call us to book an appointment at your convenience.