Do you ever find yourself squinting or struggling to keep your eyes open in bright light? If so, you might be dealing with sensitivity to light, which is often a sign of dry eye. While it might seem like a minor issue, dry eye can be very uncomfortable and affect your daily life. Fortunately, there are many ways to find relief and keep your eyes comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and dry eye treatment in Nashville.
Understanding dry eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or your tears don’t have the right composition to nourish and protect your eyes. This can make your eyes feel irritated and sensitive to light. You might also experience dryness, burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, or watery eyes.
Common causes of dry eye
If you think you have dry eye, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it so you can get the right treatment. Dry eye can happen for a variety of reasons, including aging, environmental factors like wind or smoke, certain medications, and health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome. Women are also more likely to develop dry eye than men due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of contraceptives, and menopause.
Treating dry eye
The good news is you have several options for finding relief from dry eye. One of the most effective remedies is using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. These products can help keep the eyes moist and reduce inflammation. In some cases, your eye doctor might suggest prescription eye drops or blinking exercises. They may also recommend some lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier at home or work, quitting smoking, and taking breaks from screen time.
Taking dry eye seriously is crucial because if left untreated, it can cause more serious issues like corneal damage or infection. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of dry eye, including sensitivity to light, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. At Lemoncelli Eyecare, our expert eye doctor in Nashville, TN can help you determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and find lasting relief. Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse—schedule an appointment with us today.