Environmental Triggers

Dry eye can be exacerbated by a range of environmental factors, including pollution, air conditioning, and dry climates. Spending a long time in front of a computer screen or reading can also lead to eye strain and dry eye symptoms. If you have a job that involves a lot of screen time, try taking regular breaks to rest your eyes and blink more frequently. Using a humidifier at home or work can also help soothe dry eye symptoms and maintain a comfortable level of moisture in the air.

Age

As we get older, the natural tear production in our eyes slows down, which can make us more prone to dry eye. Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk, as the decrease in estrogen levels can cause a reduction in tear production. If you’re over 65, it’s important to have regular eye check-ups with a qualified optometrist, who can help detect and treat any signs of dry eye or any other eye disease.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause dry eye symptoms as a side effect. Antidepressants, decongestants, and oral contraceptives are all known to affect tear production. You may experience burning or itchy eyes. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms while taking any prescription medicines, speak to your doctor or optometrist. There may be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that can help.

Medical Conditions

Several underlying medical conditions can also cause dry eye symptoms, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. These conditions can affect the body’s ability to produce sufficient tears, leading to burning eyes and eye irritation. If you have any underlying medical conditions, it’s important to have regular eye checks with an experienced optometrist, who can help diagnose and treat any related eye problems.

Contact Lenses

People who wear contact lenses are also more prone to dry eye symptoms, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eyes. If you’re experiencing dry eye while wearing contacts, switching to daily disposables or using lubricating eye drops can help. It’s also important to ensure you’re properly cleaning and storing your lenses to avoid any potential infections or irritations.

Contact Us for Comprehensive Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a common but frustrating condition that can have a range of causes, from environmental irritants to underlying health problems. By understanding the triggers that can lead to dry eye, you can take proactive steps to prevent and relieve symptoms.

Our eye doctors at Warm Springs Optometric Group in Fremont are dedicated to providing personalized eye health advice and specialized dry eye treatment to help you maintain optimal eye health. If you’re experiencing any eye irritation, burning eyes, itchy eyes, or have any eye disease, contact our friendly team of experienced optometrists today and find out how we can help you find the right eye care solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the surface of your eyes become too dry because something disrupts the protective layer of tears normally covering the eyes. Tears may evaporate too quickly, for instance, or they may not be produced enough. Tear production may also be impaired by an underlying inflammatory condition.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome generally involves a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Itchy, red, and dry eyes
• Sore and fatigued eyes
• Blurry vision
• Decreased tolerance to bright lights and glare
• Frequent watery discharge (your body's attempt to compensate) which can leave a residue on eyelashes and eyelids

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a wide range of issue, including:

• Eye allergy (often due to pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold)
• Dry weather
• Wind
• Wearing contact lenses for too long
• Using a computer for too long
• Exposure to irritants like smoke and airborne chemicals
• Aging
• Eye infection, injury, or surgery
• Autoimmune disorders like lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

An optometrist in Fremont—Katrina or Liliana—can diagnose your dry eye syndrome by using techniques to examine the external surface of your eyes, assess vision, and collect samples for lab testing. We'll also ask you questions about your personal and family medical history, as well as your lifestyle, to give us additional clues as to what's causing your issues.

Effective treatment is dependent on a proper diagnosis. Most of our patients with dry eye benefit from a combination of techniques such as:

• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., to avoid environmental allergens)
• Cool or warm compresses
• Medicated eye drops to soothe inflammation and restore moisture
• Peri-operative care for tear duct plugging surgery with an eye surgeon

Can I Wear Contacts If I Have Dry Eye?

You may be able to wear hard-to-fit contact lenses like scleral lenses if you have dry eye syndrome. Scleral lenses are wide-diameter, allowing their edges to rest on the white parts of your eye. This creates a large fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea and may help improve moisture.

Ask us about our contact lens exam if interested!

About Warm Springs Optometric Group, Your Fremont Optometrists

If you’re looking for dry eye relief, you’ve come to the right place. At Warm Springs Optometric Group, your Fremont optometrists, we specialize in dry eye treatment, designer frames, orthokeratology, and eye exams.

Our other services are contact lens exams, LASIK eye surgery, vision therapy, Ortho-K contacts, red eye treatment, computer vision treatment, sports vision treatment, sunglasses fittings, contact lens fittings, and myopia management therapy.

Visit Us for More Information

People suffering from any symptoms of dry eye syndrome or exposed to some of the many possible causes of the condition can schedule an appointment with a Fremont, CA, optometrist for proper diagnosis and treatment options. We at Warm Springs Optometric Group can help treat many eye conditions, including myopia, and provide patients with the eye care needed for treatment. Call our office at (510) 490-0287 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help treat your symptoms. Our team is here to help you protect your eye health.