Having itchy or dry eyes is a very common ailment. However, dry eyes can lead to serious vision and health problems. Dry eye disease is a common eye infection that occurs when inadequate eye lubrication occurs. Tears play a vital role when it comes to eye lubrication. If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, your eyes can become inflamed and damaged.
Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable. It is important to get your eyes checked right away if you are experiencing eye pain. At Wegener Optometrists, we offer a variety of eye and vision care services, including treatment for dry eyes. Located in Liberty, MO, our team of experts can make sure your eye health is at its best.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears and are not properly lubricated. This condition is most common in the elderly. As people age, their production of tears tends to decrease due to tear film dysfunction. Many things can disrupt tear film.
In the tear film, there are three layers: the top layer of oils, the middle layer of aqueous fluid, and the bottom layer of mucus. The three layers keep the surface of your eyes lubricated, clean, and smooth. Dry eye is caused when any one of these layers are damaged.
Tear film dysfunction may result from hormone changes, allergies, nutritional changes, medications, and inflamed eyelid glands.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
There are many signs of dry eyes. When you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to get an eye exam right away. The symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- High sensitivity to bright light
- Eye redness
- Feeling like something is in your eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Difficulty reading roads signs
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty seeing at nighttime
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
Visit Our Optometrists
While dry eye can lead to serious vision problems, it can also be easily treated. Staying on top of your eye health can prevent your symptoms from worsening. Prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eyes can lead to permanent eye damage. If you experience continuous symptoms of dry eye, visit our optometrists right away.
At Wegener Optometrists in Liberty, MO, we can diagnose and treat your condition. Many times, prescription eye drops can solve your problem. We provide treatment options for a variety of other eye conditions as well. We offer eye exams, contact lens and glasses prescriptions, glaucoma testing, and pre- and post-operative eye care. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about your eye health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.