If you have dry eye, you already know how frustrating it can be to see when you can’t produce tears. Whether you have occasional bouts on the 11th hour of your workday or you experience day after day, dry eyes can be a bigger problem than just an inconvenience. Below, we’ll look at the causes of dry eyes, giving you a better idea of what to do about them.

Dry Eyes in Pittsburgh, PA

Dry eyes are often linked to clogged meibomian glands, the thin glands on the edge of your eyelids. If you think of tears as saline only, you should know that healthy tears also contain oil (in addition to water and salt). If the gland that produces that oil begins to clog, the tears that you do produce won’t have the same lubricating effect. This is why eye doctors in Pittsburgh, PA might recommend warm compresses or other types of targeted heat therapy. By gently warming the glands, you thin the oil inside them so that it can exit through your eyelid.

Are Clogged Glands Always the Problem?

Not all dry eyes in Pittsburgh, PA trace to a problem with the glands. Anything from immune disorders to medications to contact lenses can be an issue, which is why it can help to talk to a professional about the issue —especially if home remedies like eye drops have only done so much to curb the problem.

If you’re looking for a team that can help you find a more definitive answer to your dry eye, consider scheduling an eye exam at Lappen Eye Care. With locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, South Hills, and McMurray, we’re here to help you and your family get the care they need to see comfortably.

If you find yourself wondering if you are one of the millions of people with dry eye syndrome, contact your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA at Lappen Eye Care for an appointment. Dry eye syndrome isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s a serious condition that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Whatever you do, don’t try to treat your dry eyes with those eye drops you see at the drug store promising to keep your eyes moist. Sure, you might get temporary relief, but in the long run, they can make your condition worse. Learn more about recognizing and managing dry eye syndrome.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can lead to symptoms like irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, and blurred vision. Environmental factors, such as dry air or prolonged screen time, can exacerbate these symptoms. If you live in Pittsburgh, where seasonal changes can affect humidity levels, you may be particularly susceptible to dry eyes.

Recognizing Symptoms

Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include persistent dryness, burning, itching, and a feeling of something foreign in the eye.

Causes and Risk Factors

Age, hormonal changes and certain medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders can raise risks. Environmental elements such as wind, smoke, and prolonged exposure to screens can also play a role.

Managing Dry Eye Syndrome

To manage dry eye syndrome effectively at home, start by incorporating lifestyle changes. Take regular breaks from screens, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Stay hydrated, and consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office.

This is information for home use, but you really need to see your optometrist at Lappen Eye Care for professional dry eye syndrome treatment in Pittsburg, PA. Contact us today to book your appointment.

When you’re suffering from chronic dry eye, finding solutions is difficult. One of the most important things to do is check in with your Pittsburgh area eye doctor for medical care. However, there are things you can do at home to manage the burning, gritty feeling in your eyes. Here are some tips from the team at Lappen Eye Care to help you get on track.

Use Warm Compresses

Sometimes, dry eye occurs because of inflammation and debris clogging the oil-producing glands on the lid of the eye. A warm compress can thin out this inflammation and gunk, allowing the glands to produce oil and keep the eye moist. Leave the compress on your eye for at least one minute, then use gentle pressure to clear any clogs after warming the eye.

Train Yourself to Blink

Many people do desk jobs that reduce how much time they blink each hour. Train yourself to blink more often. You can also close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while you’re sitting at your desk.

Up Your Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon and tuna, are great for eye health. Try including these in your diet. If you can’t, then add a supplement if your doctor thinks it is a good idea.

Hydrate!

Drink ample water to keep your eyes moist. Eight to ten glasses of water a day are ideal, and balance any caffeine or alcohol intake with additional water. Including foods that are high in water, like cucumber, in your diet can also help.

As you implement these changes at home, make sure you’re keeping up with any medical advice from your eye doctor. Schedule an eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy. Dry eye is no joke, but you can get help with the treatment Lappen Eye Care. Schedule an appointment today.