Do your eyes always feel itchy or tired? Are they sensitive to light? Do you have difficulty driving at night?
If so, then it sounds like you have dry eyes. In addition to these eye problems, there are many other dry eye symptoms to watch out for, too. You can learn all about them in the following guide.
And that’s not all. We’ll also teach you what causes dry eyes and what you can do about them. This includes advice on how to treat dry eyes yourself without a prescription.
Ready to learn more? Discover what you need to know by reading this guide.
Dry Eye Symptoms
You may notice right away that your eyes don’t feel very lubricated. But there are a lot of other symptoms that you mightn’t know are caused by dry eyes. Common symptoms include:
- Burning, stinging, scratchy, or itchy sensations in eyes
- Red eyes
- Excess mucous in eyes
- A feeling like something’s in your eyes
- Tired eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to contact lenses
- Difficulty driving at night
Ironically, watery eyes are symptomatic of eye dryness as well. This is your body’s natural response to the constant irritation of dry eyes.
Causes of Dry Eyes
Sometimes, dry eyes are caused by sources outside the body. For instance, very dry, windy weather or a constantly running fan can dry out your eyes. Also, your eyes might be allergic or extra sensitive to certain airborne matter, like smoke or pollen.
Additionally, certain activities require you to focus without blinking for long periods of time. This can dry your eyes out, too.
Other causes start inside the body. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, causes your eyes to dry out more rapidly. And diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and collagen vascular diseases can decrease tear production.
Other disorders dry out your eyes because they prevent your eyelids from closing properly. Antihistamines and other drugs can lower your tear production as well.
Even your natural aging process can affect your tear production. Hormonal changes in women (pregnancy, menopause) also increase the risk of dry eyes.
Dry Eye Treatments
Most people can effectively treat their dry eyes with medicated artificial tears. These can be purchased over the counter.
Those with more severe symptoms require prescription eye drops. Here’s a guide that teaches you how to get the best eye drops through a prescription.
Proper Eye Care
Other tips to combat dry eyes include proper eye care. Rinse your (open) eyes with water throughout the day as needed. Wash your hands before you do this.
Take breaks while reading, especially when reading text on a computer screen. Consider adding a humidifier to your house. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions if you wear contact lenses.
Get Help For Your Dry Eyes
If you’re experiencing any of these dry eye symptoms, try some over-the-counter eye drops. Seek the help of your physician if your symptoms persist.
Next, learn about the health benefits of mangoes, yoga, chiropractic care, and more. Find these and other informative posts on our Health blog.
