Dry Eye in the Fall

As we welcome the fall season, some of us might also unknowingly be dealing with increased dry eye symptoms. The warm, dry weather of this season results in dry, sore, itchy or watery eyes for many. Do not simply dismiss this discomfort as a result of fall allergies. Determining whether you’re dealing with dry eye or simply allergies is difficult for optometrists encounter during time of the year. In fact, it is possible for the two conditions to coexist making differentiation complicated.

Even though dry eyes and allergies may overlap in terms of symptoms, their distinction is vital in identifying the correct treatment strategy. For instance, treatment for dry eye includes treating the meibomian glands and underlying inflammation causes. Even if you're already diagnosed with dry eye disease, the changing season might aggravate your symptoms requiring a change in your current therapy or treatment. 

Risk Factors for Dry Eye

• Age

• Menopause, hormones

• Medications

•  Lasik surgery

If any of these risk factors apply to you and you are suffering from dry, sore, itchy or watery eyes, make sure to see your physician to find out the root cause.  

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Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can manifest itself with a number of symptoms from pain and redness to heavy eyelids to an inability to cry. Blurred vision is a particularly concerning symptom of dry eye because while it is often a result of tear film dehydration, blurred vision can also be a symptom of other, more serious, medical conditions. Blurred vision is not a medical condition but is instead a symptom of underlying problems. It is associated with glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, all of which must be seriously controlled. While it is very possible that your blurred vision is simply due to dry eye, checking with your doctor to make sure is always a wise idea, especially if the blurred vision continues as you properly treat your dry eye.

When is Dry Eye the Likely Culprit?

Before you visit your doctor, it is a good idea to think critically about your symptoms. Does your blurred vision worsen at the end of the day? Does it come and go? It is exacerbated after long periods in front of the computer of concentrating on a book? Does it improve when you blink liberally? Affirmative answers to these questions generally indicate that your dry eye syndrome might be to blame.

Why Does Dry Eye Cause Blurred Vision?

The tear film is important to protecting and lubricating the cornea, which transmits light. Dry eye sufferers have poor tear film quality and this can affect the transmission of light to the retina. When dry eye leads to dry spots on the cornea, blurred vision is a common result. Poor tear film moisture can also increase chances of bacteria growth and allergies, which can result in itchy and watery eyes and subsequent blurred vision.

What Else Could It Be?

If you don’t think dry eye is to blame, and you aren’t experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration, here are some other potential explanations for your blurred vision. Migraine sufferers often report experiencing blurred vision just before experiencing a headache. Also, studies have shown that certain drugs, including heart medications, blood pressure medicine, and oral contraceptives can cause blurred vision. Ask your doctor if blurred vision is a side effect of any medication you might be taking. Very often, blurred vision is simply an indicator that you might need corrective lenses, or a new prescription if you are also wearing glasses or contacts. In any case, conversation with your doctor needs to occur if bothersome blurriness is impacting your life. Dry eye might be a factor, but it’s important to consider all options in order to maximize your chances of successful treatment.

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Solutions for Make-up Wearers with Dry Eye

Many wearers of cosmetic make-up report experiencing discomfort or irritation in their eyes. This discomfort can at times be exacerbated by sleep-deprivation, long computer usage, drinking, and smoking, and also by the increased allergens in the springtime.

Solution #1: Formulated Eye Drops
There are many solutions to this problem. The first solution is to apply eye drops formulated for treating dry eyes. According to dry eye experts, the best technique is to apply these drops when not wearing make-up. If there is make-up on the eyelid when drops are applied, this may cause additional irritation as the make-up and eye drops are mixed together and flow back into the eyes.

Solution #2: Eyelid Cleansing Wipes
Even after you clean the make-up off of your eyelids there may still be remaining make-up residue. For example, try the lid scrubs produced by OCuSOFT, the #1 doctor recommended brand.

Solution #3: Healthy Make-up Habits
These make-up strategies come from dry eye experts and are applicable to all make-up wearers, even those without dry eye:

• don't share make up
• throw make-up out after 3 months
• clean face before applying make-up
• remove make-up before going to sleep
• avoid glitter or powder (they worsen irritation to the eyes)

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Why Can LASIK Lead To Dry Eye

Why Can LASIK Lead to Dry Eyes?

LASIK and other vision correction procedures involve penetration of the eye surface, which can lead to reduced corneal nerve sensitivity. Dry eye can result if your eyes struggle to sense when they need to produce tear lubrication after the surgery.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK surgery for both people who suffer from the condition before the procedure and those who have never experienced dry eye. However, those with higher degrees of myopia tend to be more at risk for dry eye because these patients require a deeper removal of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. More significantly, for 25% of patients, dry eye symptoms are found to persist for up to six months after surgery. Older age, certain allergies, autoimmune diseases can also contribute to dry eye, so patients who fit these criteria should be extra aware of the potential dry eye side effects of these procedures.

If any of these risk factors apply to you and you are suffering from dry, sore, itchy or watery eyes, make sure to see your physician to find out the root cause.  

For more information, check us out on facebook and twitter, or visit our directory.

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