Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye: How to Recognize the Problem Early

Dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can have a major impact on your comfort, vision, and overall eye health. This common condition affects millions of people and often goes undiagnosed until symptoms become disruptive. Recognizing the early signs of dry eye can help you get effective treatment before complications arise.

 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and irritation on the surface of the eye. While it may seem like a minor annoyance at first, dry eye can cause serious discomfort and even affect your vision if left untreated.

 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

•           Aging, especially in adults over 50

•           Environmental conditions such as wind, smoke, or dry air

•           Prolonged screen time, leading to reduced blinking

•           Contact lens wear

•           Certain medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants

•           Medical conditions like autoimmune disorders or thyroid issues

•           Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause

•           Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which affects the quality of the tear film

•           Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids that can contribute to tear instability

Understanding the underlying cause is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

 

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:

•           A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes

•           Sensitivity to light

•           Red or irritated eyes

•           Blurry or fluctuating vision

•           A feeling of something being in the eye (foreign body sensation)

•           Excessive tearing

•           Difficulty wearing contact lenses

•           Eye fatigue, especially after reading or screen use

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it’s time to speak with your eye care provider.

 

Why You Should See Your Eye Doctor

While over-the-counter eye drops can offer temporary relief from dry eye symptoms, they often fail to address the root cause of the condition. At Swan City Eye Care, we perform a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to accurately diagnose the condition and understand what’s contributing to it.

Once the underlying cause is identified, we can recommend targeted treatment options tailored to your needs. These may include prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or advanced in-office therapies.

 

Risks of Leaving Dry Eye Untreated

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to more serious issues, including:

•           Chronic eye inflammation

•           Corneal damage or ulcers

•           Increased risk of eye infections

•           Long-term vision disturbances

Early intervention can help preserve your eye health and enhance your quality of life.

 

Find Dry Eye Relief in Lakeland, Florida

If you live in Lakeland or the surrounding areas and are struggling with dry, irritated eyes, now is the time to take action. Early recognition and treatment of dry eye can help prevent long-term discomfort and protect your vision. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our team offers advanced diagnostics and customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Swan City Eye Care to find the right treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Lakeland, Florida, or call (863) 323-7525 to book an appointment today.