Is dry eye syndrome having an uncomfortable impact on your life? Precision Eye Group of Lake Ariel, PA, Honesdale, PA, Carbondale, PA, and Dingmans Ferry, PA, is here to help you find relief. 

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome 

 Dry eyes are not the most comfortable thing to live with. They cause stinging and burning, sensitivity to light, redness, difficulty seeing, excess water or mucus, and more. What causes dry eye syndrome, and what can you do about it? The team at Precision Eye Group of Lake Ariel, PA, Honesdale, PA, Carbondale, PA, and Dingmans Ferry, PA, answers these questions and more below. 

What Causes Dry Eyes? 

 Tear film is made up of three layers, including oil, water, and mucus. Each of these layers has an important job. The water is the moisture for the eyes. The oil helps keep the water where it’s supposed to be. And the mucus helps spread the water and oil when you blink. 

Dry eyes are typically the result of one or more of these tear film layers not being present or produced enough. For example, if you’re not producing enough oil to keep the water locked in, the water evaporates. The body then responds by creating more tears, which is when dry eyes get watery. However, without that oil, the water will continue to evaporate.

In some cases, it’s not the quality of the tear film but the inability to produce enough tears that causes dry eyes. The reasons behind this can include age, medications, some medical conditions, and more. 

Some people are at a higher risk of dry eyes than others. The following are some of the various factors that contribute. 

• Being age 50 or up, as tear production tends to decrease 
• Gender, as hormonal changes faced by women can play a role 
• Using contact lenses 
• Having refractive surgery 
• Poor diet, as vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for quality tear production 
• Prolonged digital device usage 
• Environmental factors, as dry and smoky climates can impact tear production 

How to Treat Dry Eyes 

 Mild and short-term cases of dry eyes can typically be relieved through the use of OTC eyedrops and lifestyle adjustments, such as giving your eyes a break from screens. However, more severe and long-term cases should be assessed by your eye doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of your condition and the best steps to address it. 

Let our team at Precision Eye Group of Lake Ariel, PA, Honesdale, PA, Carbondale, PA, and Dingmans Ferry, PA, help find the most effective solution for your dry eye syndrome by calling (570) 253-6551 to schedule an appointment today.