Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t make enough teras, or when poor quality tears are being produced. While most people experience mild symptoms, in very severe cases, dry eyes can cause discomfort, as well as:
- Burning sensation
- Red eyes
- Dry/sore eyes
- Blurred vision
When these symptoms become increasingly bothersome or chronic, you are likely dealing with dry eye syndrome, and should seek care from our Calgary optometrist immediately to restore the clarity and comfort to your vision.
Order Dry Eye Care Products From our Calgary Eye Clinic During COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 situation, we have temporarily closed our Calgary clinic. However our eye doctors are still available to provide emergency eye care. We are also providing telehealth services, which includes the delivery of contact lenses, dry eye care products, and other eye care essentials.
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What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are a lot of contributing factors to dry eye syndrome and it’s important to understand the cause of your condition. Some of these include:
- Age: Many patients over the age of 65 experience dry eye symptoms. Just like the rest of the body, certain eye functions diminish with age and dry eyes are just part of the natural aging process.
- Certain chronic medical conditions: People who suffer from diabetes, thyroid problems, or rheumatoid arthritis may experience dry eye symptoms.
- Certain OTC and prescription medications: Certain medications can impact tear production. This includes everything from the common cold and allergy medications to prescription drugs that are used to treat depression or high blood pressure.
- Nutrition: What you eat plays an important role in the quality of your tears. Omega-3 and green vegetables have been shown to play a major role in tear production.
- Digital devices: Using digital devices, such as computers and phones, all day long, have been shown to dramatically reduce blink rate. This can contribute to dry and irritated eyes.
- Environmental factors: Factors such as smoke, wind, and dry climates can result in rapid tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms.
- Hormonal changes: Women may experience dry eye symptoms due to hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and menopause, as well as the use of oral contraceptives.
4 Simple At-Home Dry Eye Care Tips
Even if your symptoms seem minor, it’s important that you don’t ignore the symptoms of dry eyes. Your tears play an important role in the health of your eyes and vision, so make sure to talk to your optometrist about dry eye care advice.
Ongoing dry eye conditions pose a real threat to the health of your cornea, so its critical to treat this condition early and prevent its progression.
Here are some steps you can take at home which may help reduce the severity or frequency of your symptoms:
- Blink more frequently. Are you spending a lot of time on digital devices? Give your eyes the break they need and replenish that tear film layer. Always be aware of your screen use and practice some self-care by blinking regularly to prevent eye problems.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is as important as eating a balanced diet. Drink at least 2 litres of water per day.
- Use warm compresses: Placing a warm compress on your eyes helps release some of the oils in your eyelids’ glands, thus improving the quality of your tears.
- Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke can irritate dry eyes and increase your risk of developing dry eyes in the first place.
Order Your Dry Eye Care Products Online
At our Calgary eye clinic, we are committed to protecting your vision during this time. While our clinics are temporarily closed, our eye doctors are still providing eye emergency care by appointment only.
Telehealth Services to Protect Your Family’s Vision
Not only are we offering virtual consultations, but our telehealth vision services also include deliveries of contact lenses, eye drops, and other eye care essentials.
For any eye emergency needs, contact us at sunridgeeyeclinic@gmail.com or give us a call at 403-280-7518.
