Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a disorder that usually results in feelings of tiredness, irritation, and a sensation of grittiness in the eyes. It’s estimated that up to 4% of adults suffer from some form of dry eye, and this number increases with age (6). The good news is that many people with dry eye syndrome find relief through the use of artificial tears. Unfortunately, artificial tears only mask the problem and don’t treat the root cause of the condition.If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, you may also notice that your vision is blurry when you read or use a computer. You may also experience a constant irritation in your eyes that makes it difficult for you to relax after a long day.If you want relief from dry eyes, you can consider having laser eye surgery (LASIK). However, before you decide to go through this surgery, you should understand why it causes dry eyes in the first place. Keep reading to know more about this condition and how it can be treated with ease.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is less than desired moisture in the eyes. It is a condition that affects both genders and many different age groups. The exact cause of dry eye syndrome is not entirely understood, but it is believed that it may be related to a decrease in tear production, a decrease in tear flow, or a change in the composition of the tear film.There are several risk factors that may increase your risk of developing dry eye syndrome, including:- Age- Gender- Smoking- Medications like anti-depressants, anti-histamines, and diuretics- Allergies or irritation in the eyes- Certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome
Why does LASIK cause dry eyes?
The exact cause of dry eye syndrome after LASIK is not known, but it is believed that it is related to a decrease in tear production or a change in tear quality. The most common causes of dry eye syndrome after LASIK include:- Failure to follow your doctor’s recommendations after surgery- A decrease in tear production- A decrease in tear quality- A change in the conjunctiva- An increase in exposure to dry air (sneezing)
How can dry eye syndrome be treated?
There are several things you can do to treat dry eye syndrome. First, you should make sure that your doctor checks you for signs of dry eye syndrome before you undergo LASIK surgery. Your doctor may recommend artificial tears to help decrease the dryness and irritation in your eyes. If you continue to experience dry eye syndrome after surgery, you may want to consider switching to a dry eye medication.If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, it is important to use eyedrops sparingly, because one small bottle may last a couple of weeks. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to wash them with a cleaning solution and avoid wearing them in very warm or very cold water. If you wear contacts and experience dryness, you may want to switch to a different type of contact lens.
Conclusion
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a disorder that usually results in feelings of tiredness, irritation, and a sensation of grittiness in the eyes. It’s estimated that up to 4% of adults suffer from some form of dry eye, and this number increases with age (6). The good news is that many people with dry eye syndrome find relief through the use of artificial tears. Unfortunately, artificial tears only mask the problem and don’t treat the root cause of the condition.If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, you may also notice that your vision is blurry when you read or use a computer. You may also experience a constant irritation in your eyes that makes it difficult for you to relax after a long day. If you want relief from dry eyes, you can consider having laser eye surgery (LASIK). However, before you decide to go through this surgery, you should understand why it causes dry eyes in the first place. Keep reading to know more about this condition and how it can be treated with ease.