(and why you should leave diagnosis to the experts)
Short answer: Yes, if you have Dry Eye, you’re probably going to recognize (and feel) some of the more common symptoms. Just don’t self-diagnose!
We’ve all done it. We’ve Googled our symptoms and made a self-diagnosis. Many a head cold has been deemed the flu, and a run-of-the-mill upset tummy elevated to gallstones upon reading (and relating to) lists of symptoms online.
But the diagnosis of medical conditions is best left to the experts. And Dry Eye is no different. For many, the condition is more of a nuisance than a serious medical concern. But there are some root causes that can be more serious, and a trained eye doctor will know how to get to the root cause of your Dry Eye and how best to treat it.
Why Are My Dry Eye Symptoms Worse in the Fall?
Many people experience a surge in symptoms in the fall. Why? A few reasons. Decongestants and antihistamines certainly help dry out stopped-up sinuses and runny noses, but they can dry your eyes as well. Make sure to drink plenty of water if you’re taking allergy meds this time of year.
Many of the symptoms of Dry Eye that are also associated with allergies can also look like those of other eye infections. For this reason, it is important to see a professional who can determine if what you’re suffering from is, in fact, chronic Dry Eye and if it is related to allergies or has another cause.
But here are a few symptoms you can be on the lookout for any time of year:
- Burning
- Blurred vision
- Discomfort with contact lenses
- Excessive dryness
- Fatigued eyes
- Grittiness
- Itching
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Excessive tearing (strange but true)
- Trouble with night driving
What Causes Dry Eye Anyway?
In a nutshell, Dry Eye is when your eyes don’t produce the right quantity or quality of tears to be healthy or comfortable, especially in colder and drier conditions. This is a chronic condition affecting over 100 million people worldwide.
Beyond climate, there may be another factor contributing to your eye irritation. More people are plugged in than ever before. Womp-womp.
Experts agree that doing near work on computers and smartphones—such as emailing, texting, viewing, working or playing video games—can be blamed for much of the increase in symptoms. These types of activities interfere with the quality and quantity of blinks, which means not enough natural tears. The result? Dry, irritated eyes.
Ugh.
But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to just deal with it. At Cargo Eye Care, a vision specialist will perform a series of thorough diagnostic tests to evaluate your unique ocular surface condition.
No More Crying Over Dry Eye
At Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas, there are a variety of choices for treating Dry Eye. Treatments range from eye drops to specially designed contacts lenses and more. The severity and root cause will determine which treatment is the best choice for you.
In addition, prescriptions medications, blinking exercises, punctal plugs, eyelid scrubs, warm compresses and Omega-3 Oils are all recommended depending upon the severity and root cause of the condition.
Schedule your dry eye consultation with one of the specialists at Cargo Eye Care today.
