Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that can cause numerous bothersome symptoms. These symptoms often include redness and a gritty feeling in your eyes.
Keep reading to learn if dry eye syndrome will make your eyes feel sticky!
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. It can also happen when the tears the eyes are producing are not good quality.
Adequate tear production is essential for keeping your eyes healthy. The eye produces tears that not only keep the surface of the eye moist but also wash away potential eye irritants and provide a smooth surface to allow for the clarity of your vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome can cause many symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Excessive itchiness
- Pronounced redness
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Dry eye syndrome can also make your eyes feel sticky. This sensation of stickiness is often a result of insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of your eyes.
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is compromised, the delicate balance needed to keep your eyes comfortable can be disrupted.
The inadequate tear film can lead to various symptoms, including a sticky or gritty feeling in your eyes. This stickiness can be particularly bothersome as it may make it uncomfortable to blink and move your eyelids smoothly over the surface of your eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There can be several potential causes of dry eye syndrome, but one of the most common is aging. As you age, your eyes produce fewer tears, making them more vulnerable to dryness.
Another common cause is spending prolonged periods in front of an electronic screen. Since you tend to blink less when looking at a screen, your eyes are more prone to drying out.
Where you live can also contribute to developing dry eye syndrome. People who live in desert-like climates or climates where they spend a lot of time in air-conditioned environments are at a higher risk for developing this eye condition.
What are the Risks to Eye Health from Dry Eye Syndrome?
For the most part, dry eye syndrome does not usually pose any immediate threats to the health of your eyes beyond discomfort and irritation. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious eye problems, like infections, corneal abrasions, and even vision loss.
How is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?
Recommended treatment for dry eye syndrome varies from person to person. For some people, over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can both alleviate symptoms and protect eye health.
For people with more severe cases of dry eye syndrome, suggested treatment may be further in-office treatment.
Can You Prevent Dry Eye Syndrome?
In most cases, there are steps you can take to prevent mild dry eye syndrome from affecting the comfort of your eyesight. These steps include:
- Using a humidifier in dry environments
- Taking eye breaks while working in front of a computer
- Abstaining from smoking and avoiding smoky environments
- Protecting your eyes from over-exposure to UV light
- Using artificial tears
Sticky-feeling eyes are uncomfortable and can also be a sign that you have dry eye syndrome! The best way to regain your comfortable vision is by scheduling an eye exam with a knowledgeable eye care provider like Shepherd Eye Center.
Our eye care experts can give you an accurate diagnosis and offer effective treatments to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Are you experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center at one of our 5 locations in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, today!
