Imagine you’re out enjoying a sunny day, and suddenly it feels like you have sand in your eyes. It’s uncomfortable, distracting, and can even be a little alarming. You might blink constantly or rub your eyes to try to relieve the sensation. What causes this gritty feeling, and how can you make it go away?
At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and how to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. One common cause of this discomfort is dry eye, a condition that affects the delicate moisture balance in your eyes. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to feel better.
Causes of dry eye
Dry eye can occur for several reasons. Spending long hours in front of a screen, whether it’s your computer, smartphone, or TV, can cause you to blink less often, meaning your eyes don’t get the moisture they need. Environmental conditions like dry air, wind, and air conditioning can also contribute to the problem.
Additionally, wearing contact lenses and having certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, might exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Some medications—like antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure meds, and antidepressants—can lead to dry eye as a side effect. Hormonal changes, especially for women during pregnancy or menopause or while using birth control, can impact tear production as well.
Finding relief from dry eye
At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Elkhorn to help you find relief:
- OptiLight IPL therapy: This innovative light-based treatment helps reduce inflammation and boost tear production, tackling one of the key causes of dry eye.
- BlephEx® treatment: A gentle treatment that cleans your eyelids by removing debris and bacteria, promoting healthier eyes and more stable tears.
- LipiFlow® thermal pulsation: This advanced therapy uses warmth and gentle pressure to unclog the glands in your eyelids, which are vital for keeping your tears from evaporating too fast.
Lifestyle changes that can relieve dry eye
Alongside these treatments, there are a few things you can do at home to help with dry eye symptoms:
- Blink more often: Try to blink regularly, especially when you’re using digital devices, to help spread tears across your eyes.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can offer quick relief. Choose preservative-free options to avoid any irritation.
- Humidify your space: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping to keep your eyes from drying out.
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and dryness.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is great for your eye health and tear production.
Your eye health is important, and understanding the cause of discomfort is the first step toward finding a solution. At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we provide personalized care and effective treatments to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. If you’re dealing with persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help! Request an appointment online today or give us a call at (402) 330-3000.
