Affecting more than 30% of Canadians, the condition of dry eye is very common. Despite this, many of these cases are undiagnosed or treated inefficiently via the employment of over-the-counter artificial tears. This is a major reason we have developed a specialty in treating patients suffering from dry eye at Orillia Optometry. Our Optometrists are ready to work with you in order to identify the issues that lead to this condition and figure out the best course of action for care. Certain factors can increase the chances you will face dry eye disease:
- Environmental causes: high altitude, smoke, air conditioning
- High blood pressure
- Medications: those that treat depression or anxiety, pain, motion sickness, colds and allergies, antihistamines, diuretics, sleeping pills
- Certain diseases: Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson’s, thyroid disease, auto-immune disease
- Other factors: aging, hormonal changes, computer use, contact lenses, diet, vitamin A deficiency
Symptoms of dry eye disease are numerous and can differ from person to person, making a diagnosis challenging at times. The severity of the concern ranges from minor discomfort to acute pain and can, in many cases, affect overall quality of life. Common indications include:
- Pain, burning, discomfort (irritation), achiness, soreness, stinging, itching
- Watery eyes, dryness, foreign body sensation, blurry/fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity, sticky tears, tired eyes, swollen and red eyelids
