Is Dry Eye a Permanent Condition?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where the eyes lose their ability to retain moisture. In some cases, the eyes fail to produce enough tears, while in others, the tears produced are of poor quality. Over time, the lack of tears leads to inflammation or damage to the eye surface. 

Dry eyes feel very uncomfortable, and the condition can cause vision problems. There is currently no cure for dry eye disease, but the condition can be managed or brought under control. Managing dry eye disease will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. 

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Symptoms of dry eye disease include red eyes, burning sensation, blurred vision, and a sensation of something in the eye. Other symptoms are stinging, a feeling of eye pressure, sensitivity to light, and discomfort or difficulty opening the eyes. The symptoms often differ from one individual to the next, depending on the root cause of the problem. 

Causes of Dry Eye

Many factors can cause dry eye syndrome. The condition can be due to health problems such as thyroid disease or arthritis, certain medications, and hormonal changes. The condition can also be age-related as people tend to produce fewer tears as they grow older. Dry eye can be caused by environmental factors like dry or windy climate, wearing contact lenses, and prolonged computer use.

Is Dry Eye Condition Permanent?

If dry eyes are due to environmental factors, the condition can be temporary. If wearing contact lenses, prolonged computer use, and dry climate is causing dry eyes, the condition may not be permanent. Removing the irritant can help get rid of dry eye symptoms. 

If medication is causing the symptoms, you can alleviate the condition by changing medications. For some people, making simple lifestyle changes can help prevent dry eye conditions. 

Chronic Dry Eye Condition

For some patients, dry eye conditions can be permanent. Chronic dry eye occurs when the eyes fail to produce or maintain adequate tears. Symptoms may improve with treatment, but they do not go away completely. 

The chronic condition is usually related to a health issue. People who suffer from health conditions such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s disease often have chronic dry eye.

Preventing Dry Eye Syndrome

There are things that you can do to prevent dry eye symptoms. Using a humidifier in a dry climate can help keep your eyes moist. It also helps to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water will help in the production of natural tears. 

Another way to prevent dry eyes is by positioning your computer below eye level while you work. This will help reduce strain because you will not have to open your eyes too wide. Blinking often when performing close-up tasks will help reduce dry eye symptoms. 

Dry eye condition can be managed even when it is chronic. Some treatments can help manage the symptoms. The treatment used will depend on the symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. There are prescription medications and eye drops that can help relieve the common symptoms. Inserting punctal plugs can also help in retaining tears.

For more on dry eye, visit Advanced Vision Institute at our offices in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can call (702) 819-9800 today to schedule an appointment.