But, did you know that the stickiness under your eyelids isn’t the only symptom that you might experience if suffering from this common issue?
You may have dry eye disease if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here. Please consult with an eye care professional and discuss treatment options
- Burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
- Mild pain sensations
- Heaviness
- Eye fatigue
- Sore eyes
- Dryness
- Redness
- Light sensitivity or photophobia
- Excessive watering/ tearing as a reflex reaction to dryness
- Blurry vision
So, what causes dry eyes anyway?
The outermost surface of the eye is covered by a unique fluid layer called “tear film.” This layer plays a vital role in keeping your eyes comfortable, healthy and seeing clearly.
But, if this layer is disturbed or damaged, it can lead to dry eye syndrome or disease which may result in one, or more, of the symptoms above.
What key factors lead to dry eyes?
There are several things that can disturb the “tear film” layer and lead to dry eyes.
Some of the most common factors include:
How does dry eye impact vision?
Dry eye caused due to numerous factors can lead to disturbance in the tear film which is responsible for keep the eyes moist, healthy and provide clear vision.
As a result of this disturbance, patients not only complain about irritation, grittiness and discomfort but can also experience blur vision.
What does it mean if your dry eye is worse in the morning?
- A lack of adequate tears, tear evaporation, disturbance of the tear film, poor eyelid function, or an imbalance in tear composition can lead to dry eyes. Many people might think that sleeping or closing there eye can offer some relief from the dry eye symptoms, though it not true in all the cases.
- Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: Many patients aren’t aware but they might be sleeping with their eyelids partially open. A patient might wake up with increased dry eye symptoms like irritation, scratchiness, foreign body sensation, or discharge. All this could be caused by Nocturnal Lagophthalmos.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos is simply the inability to close the eyelids during sleep. Because the eyelid does not close completely, it increases the evaporation of the tears causing increase in dry eye symptoms in the morning. Environmental factors like air conditioner, heaters, fans can all increase the indoor evaporation of tears at night. In severe cases is can also cause corneal damage (exposure keratopathy).
How to treat dry eye?
Dry eye has several effective treatment options. In many cases, routine use of artificial tears and minor behavioral modifications like taking frequent breaks and conscious blinking during digital use and temperature control to avoid environmental impact on dryness, can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.
In some chronic or more severe cases, your eye care provider might recommend some over the counter lubricating eye drops, prescription medications and in-office procedures to help your body create and secrete more tears and to decrease eye irritation and inflammation.
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FAQs
How long does it take to complete these tests?
Each test can be completed in less than 5 minutes.
How do I read the results?
Each test result comes with an explanation that includes the “normal” results for comparison and suggestions to guide you in your next steps.
Can children take these tests?
Yes, this is a screening tool suitable for all ages. Some tests may require an adult
to guide minors on how to appropriately follow the test instructions. Failure to
follow instructions may lead to inaccurate test results.
Do I need to see an eye care provider if my results are not within the normal range?
The tests serve as a screening tool. You should consult with an eye care provider for a comprehensive exam that will evaluate the overall eye health and status of your eye symptoms.
How often do I repeat the test?
You can repeat any of these eye tests as often as you’d like. We recommend
repeating the tests once a month unless you’ve been advised to do so more
frequently by an eye care provider.
Will I receive a copy of my test results?
At the completion of each test, you will be presented an option to “Save” or
“Email” the results to yourself.
I am already receiving treatment for an eye disease. Can I use these tests to monitor my progression?
Please check with your eye care provider. You may be able to use these tests to
monitor, and record, the changes in your vision or symptoms. We encourage you
to remember that these are screening tools and should not replace an in-person,
comprehensive eye exam.
