Winter is upon us and it is well known that due to our “unique” weather in Southern Alberta dry eye syndrome is a common issue for many. Dry eye is a term used when the eyes feel dry, gritty and sore. Despite the name, many people may actually have excess tearing due to irritation. It may be caused by aging, eye allergies, diseases that change the tears, some medicines, and environmental factors such as low humidity.
Dry eye symptoms should be treated by your optometrist. If the eye is not properly lubricated, foreign material not washed away from the eye may lead to eye damage, infection, and ulceration. Artificial tears such as Refresh Tears or GenTeal can decrease the symptoms of dry eye but do not cure the cause. Your optometrist can perform a simple in-office procedure to free up more of your natural tears, and reduce your need for artificial tears.
You can help prevent dry eye by protecting your eyes from sun and wind by wearing sunglasses, avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, cosmetics and chlorine, and using artificial tears regularly (taking care to wash your hands before instilling eye drops or ointment).
You should see your optometrist if: your eye is painful, eyesight is deteriorating, vision is blurred, the eye is red or has a colored discharge, the eyelids are stuck together on waking, or if the dry eye persists for 7 to 10 days, despite treatment.
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Dry Eye Syndrome and Winter
Winter is upon us and it is well known that due to our “unique” weather in Southern Alberta dry eye syndrome is a common issue for many. Dry eye is a term used when the eyes feel dry, gritty and sore. Despite the name, many people may actually have excess tearing due to irritation. It may be caused by aging, eye allergies, diseases that change the tears, some medicines, and environmental factors such as low humidity.
Dry eye symptoms should be treated by your optometrist. If the eye is not properly lubricated, foreign material not washed away from the eye may lead to eye damage, infection, and ulceration. Artificial tears such as Refresh Tears or GenTeal can decrease the symptoms of dry eye but do not cure the cause. Your optometrist can perform a simple in-office procedure to free up more of your natural tears, and reduce your need for artificial tears.
You can help prevent dry eye by protecting your eyes from sun and wind by wearing sunglasses, avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, cosmetics and chlorine, and using artificial tears regularly (taking care to wash your hands before instilling eye drops or ointment).
You should see your optometrist if: your eye is painful, eyesight is deteriorating, vision is blurred, the eye is red or has a colored discharge, the eyelids are stuck together on waking, or if the dry eye persists for 7 to 10 days, despite treatment.