Why are My Eyes Stinging and Burning?
If you suffer sensations of stinging, burning, or general irritation in your eyes on a nearly daily basis, you may have a condition known as dry eye. This common complaint is caused by a lack of adequate tears. Without proper lubrication, your eyes can become irritated and red, and may at times produce a stringy mucus or excessive watering.
Your eyes need tears to stay properly hydrated and lubricated. Tears are made up of three layers, one of mostly water, one of oil, and one of mucus. When that balance is compromised, dry eye is the result.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Many men and women notice an increase in the dry eye as they age. Other contributing factors include:
- Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants
- Medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Reduced blinking while driving, reading, or using computers
- Environmental issues like smoke, wind, or dry air
Even corrective laser eye surgery can cause dry eye, although the issue will normally clear up as your body heals.
Can My Eyelids Cause Dry Eye?
Your eyelids function to spread tears across the surface of your eyes, while also preventing foreign material from entering your body. When your eyelids aren’t properly positioned against the surface of your eyes, issues like the dry eye can develop.
If your eyelids are turned inward, toward the surface of your eye, you have a condition called entropion. If your eyelid turns outward, away from the surface of your eye, it’s known as ectropion. Both of these conditions can be corrected through a minor surgical procedure.
How are Dry Eyes Treated?
If your eyes are dry due to a medical condition, your optometrist focuses treatment efforts on addressing that underlying cause. You might need to change to a new medication or make lifestyle adjustments to support optimal eye health.
Prescription medication can help address dry eye. Some drugs work to reduce inflammation, while others stimulate tear production or augment your natural tears.
Another approach involves using tiny plugs to close your tear ducts and prevent tears from draining from your eyes. There are options that dissolve after a few weeks or months, and others that remain in place for longer periods of time. It’s even possible to surgically close eye ducts, which is a permanent solution and a good option when other treatments have failed to yield desired results.
To learn more about dry eye treatments, schedule a consultation with our office today by calling the office or using the online booking option.
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