Dry eye syndrome can be mild or severe and affect one or both eyes. Over-the-counter treatments can relieve mild cases of dry eyes, but more severe cases may require prescription medication. In the most severe cases, patients may require surgery to address the causes, but this is rare. 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eyes occur when your tears cannot adequately lubricate your eyes. The eye condition results from an increase in tear evaporation or a decrease in tear production. If left untreated, it can become a significant problem. It can cause declining vision and damage your corneal surface. 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Several factors can cause this eye condition. These include:

Evaporation of Water from Your Tear Film

Conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction can alter the composition of your tear film, leading to increased tear evaporation. 

Reduced Tear Production

Inflammatory systemic or autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s, lupus, sarcoidosis, or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the tear glands. That can cause reduced tear production, leading to dry eyes.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eyes can affect both eyes and may include:
 

• Eye redness

• Eye fatigue or blurred vision

• Watery eyes due to eye irritation

• Stringy mucus around and in the eyes

• Difficulty with nighttime driving

• Sensitivity to light

• A scratchy or stinging sensation in the eyes

• Problems wearing contact lenses

• Foreign object sensation in the eyes

What Complications Can Develop from Dry Eyes?

Even mild cases of dry eyes can cause irritating symptoms like a scratchy, burning sensation and sensitivity to light. Proper treatment of mild to moderate dry eyes prevents long-term eye problems. 

You should seek treatment for severe cases of dry eyes as soon as possible. Otherwise, you are at risk of severe complications. Your eyes require sufficient tears to provide the nutrients and oxygen needed to stay healthy. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of problems like the development of abnormal blood vessels and infection. These complications can interfere with your vision. 

It is easy for an infection to occur when the surface of your eyes remains dry. Over time thinning and scarring of your corneas may occur. In severe cases, your cornea can tear, leading to permanent vision loss and eye damage. 

Importance of Tears for Healthy Eyes

Whenever you blink, tears spread across the clear, dome-shaped cornea. The tear film starts to thin after you blink. However, healthy eyes should maintain a moisturizing and nourishing cover over the eyes until the next time you blink. Tears are essential for your eyes due to the following reasons:
 

• They deliver nutrients and oxygen to the eyes

• They promote healing in damaged eyes

• They lubricate the eyes to prevent dryness

• They protect the eyes by removing irritants and dirt

• They have an antibacterial enzyme that prevents infection

• They help focus light for proper vision

To prevent eye and vision complications, visit your eye doctor if you experience prolonged symptoms of dry eyes. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the cause of your problem and recommend the best intervention. 

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Vision Concept at our office in Houston, Texas. Call (281) 407-4886 to schedule an appointment today.