Is Dry Eye a Chronic Condition?

Do you ever feel like your eyes are too dry? You are not alone. Dry eye affects millions of people every day. It is that annoying, gritty feeling, like sand is in your eyes. Or maybe your eyes water so much you look like you are crying. As weird as it sounds, watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye, too.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is exactly what it sounds like — your eyes do not have enough tears. But it is not just about quantity. Quality matters, too. Your tears are not just water. They are a mixture of water, oils, salt, and over 1,500 proteins. When this mix is off, your eyes can feel dry even if they are watering.
 

Symptoms

Your eyes might feel itchy, burn, or sting. They could look red and irritated. Some people feel like there is something stuck in their eyes. Others experience blurry vision, especially when reading or staring at screens.
 

Dry eye can happen to anyone, but it is more common as you age. Women are more likely to get it, especially after menopause. People with specific medical conditions or who take certain medications are also more prone to dry eye.
 

Is Dry Eye Chronic?

Dry eye syndrome can be a chronic condition. For some lucky people, it is just a temporary annoyance. Maybe their eyes get dry during allergy season or when they are staring at their computer for too long. These cases usually clear up on their own or with some simple treatments.
 

But for many people, dry eye sticks around. It becomes a long-term, or chronic, condition. This means the symptoms keep coming back or never really go away.
 

Causes of Chronic Dry Eye

Why do some people experience chronic dry eye? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some common causes:
 

·       Age: As you age, your eyes naturally make fewer tears.

·       Hormones: Changes in hormone levels can affect tear production.

·       Medical conditions: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems can lead to dry eye.

·       Medications: Some drugs, like antihistamines and antidepressants, can dry out your eyes.

·       Environment: Dry, windy, or smoky places can irritate your eyes.

·       Screen time: Staring at screens all day can reduce blinking and dry out your eyes.

·       Contact lenses: Wearing contacts for extended periods can contribute to dry eye.

·       Eye surgery: Procedures like LASIK can sometimes lead to chronic dry eye.
 

It can also be a mix of these factors. So, see an eye doctor if your symptoms persist.
 

Managing Chronic Dry Eye

For mild cases, you can try over-the-counter artificial tears. Simple changes like screen breaks and using a humidifier can also help you. When outside, remember to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, especially on windy days.
 

For more advanced cases, your eye doctor might suggest prescription drops or a medical procedure. There are also special contact lenses available that can help protect your eye surface.
 

Chronic dry eye can be a pain, but it is manageable. With the right treatment and some lifestyle tweaks, you can keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable. Consult your eye doctor and find a solution that works for you.
 

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Livingston EyeCare Associates, LLC, at our Hamburg Township, Michigan, office. Call (810) 231-5800 to schedule an appointment today.

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye
 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863