Dry Eye Symptoms – 10 Symptoms To Think About
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects up to 49 million Americans. This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This results in insufficient lubrication of the ocular surface, which causes discomfort to the eye. If this issue is not addressed promptly, several complications could arise.
In this article, we will discuss the most prevalent signs and symptoms of dry eye disease and how to identify this condition.
Persistent Dryness
This is the hallmark of dry eye syndrome. You will feel a persistent sensation of dryness in the eyes. The feeling can vary in intensity. For instance, some individuals describe this sensation as a subtle discomfort whereas others describe it as a nagging dryness. The sensation is exacerbated after reading, starting at a computer, and being under the AC.
Gritty Eyes
Aside from dryness, you may also feel that you have sandy eyes. This feeling of itchy eyes can be uncomfortable and distracting. This symptom means that the mucosa of your eyes is irritated.
Burning or Stinging
Stinging is another symptom that’s associated with eyes that burn. This symptom worsens if you are exposed to wind, smoke, or bright lights. Once again, any activities that require too much focus will also exacerbate the symptoms.
Redness and Irritation
The conjunctiva (i.e., the white area of your eye) will commonly look red due to inflammation. In most cases, constant red eyes are present in people with chronic dry eyes.
Excessive Tearing
Ironically, individuals who suffer from dry disease will produce excessive tears to compensate. Unfortunately, these tears are of poor quality and lack important oils that prevent evaporation.
Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
Fluctuating or blurred vision is another symptom that’s associated with dry eye syndrome. This occurs because the tear film becomes unstable, especially during activities that require prolonged visual attention. Many individuals notice that their vision improves temporarily after blinking, which redistributes the tears across the surface of the eye.
Light Sensitivity
Photophobia (i.e., light sensitivity) is also a common symptom. Bright lights or glare can cause discomfort and exacerbate other symptoms of dry eye disease. This makes it difficult to engage in outdoor activities.
Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue is a frequent complaint, especially after extended periods of visual tasks. You may need to take more breaks from reading, working, or watching TV than usual.
Crusty Eyelids
Some individuals with dry eye disease experience crusty or sticky eyelids. This symptom is due to mucus buildup, which is prevalent after waking up.
Contact Lens Intolerance
Those who wear contact lenses may find that dry eye syndrome significantly impacts their ability to wear them comfortably.
Conclusion
Being able to recognize the symptoms of dry eye disease is indispensable to intervene promptly. For this reason, if you experience any combination of these symptoms, make sure to consult with your ophthalmologist for tailored care.