Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that has caused discomfort in many people. Our eye doctors at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry are often asked whether dry eyes are permanent or treatable, and in today’s post, we answer this question.
Dry eyes is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them adequately lubricated, resulting in redness and irritation, as well as blurred vision. While anyone can experience dry eyes, discomfort is typically more pronounced in people who wear contact lenses because the lack of moisture increases the friction between the eyes and the contacts.
Dry eye syndrome is caused by one or more factors. Some of these include hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, or damage to the tear glands. Environmental factors, medications and certain medical conditions are also known contributing factors. In some people, prolonged use of contact lenses and staring at screens are known to cause dry eyes.
Generally, dry eye syndrome is temporary, and can be alleviated with changes such as running a humidifier in a dry environment or taking time to rest the eyes. If certain medications are determined to cause dry eyes, the patient can stop using it and ask their physician for an alternative.
Some people experience dry eye as a chronic condition, the symptoms of which can be improved with a treatment plan devised by an eye doctor. Chronic dry eye is often caused by medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus and diabetes, and may not go away completely.
There is no known cure for chronic dry eyes, but symptoms can be managed. Eye drops, artificial tears and similar products and medications can be used to help lubricate the eyes and relieve dryness. Your eye doctor may recommend having punctal plugs temporarily inserted into the upper and lower puncta — the small openings in the eyelids that drain excess tears from the eyes — to preserve moisture in the eyes.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, your local eye doctors at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry are here to help. Give us a call at (703) 413-1400 or (703) 522-7676. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment for an eye exam. We serve clients in Arlington, VA, and the surrounding communities.
