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Most individuals will overlook dry eyes as a temporary condition caused by working late, pollution, or fatigue. But in most cases, dryness is not a temporary condition. It may also be a sign of an underlying and more severe condition. If not treated, dryness can develop into a condition that affects your day-to-day activities and vision. It is essential to distinguish typical dryness from pathological dryness in order to prevent irreversible damage to the eyes. Prompt professional intervention can prevent irreversible surface damage and chronic discomfort.
Why do eyes dry out
Dry eyes are caused by the fact that your tears are not able to keep the eyes’ surface sufficiently wet. Tears are composed of oil, water and mucus. When one of these layers becomes unbalanced, the eyes cannot remain as moist as they should. Aging, drugs, dry weather, or prolonged use of electronic devices are some of the reasons. But occasionally, in contrast, dry eyes are caused by diseases that affect overall well-being, e.g., glandular or autoimmune disease, and must be treated by a professional and not merely with home remedies.
Blurred vision is a red flag
If you don’t have a stable tear film, your eyes can’t maintain a smooth surface to see clearly. You may be getting some relief from blinking, but the blur comes back after a short time. This fluctuation is an obvious sign that dryness is affecting your cornea. Early checkups with optometrists in Melbourne can prevent the underlying cause of the condition from permanently damaging your eyes.
When eye drops fail
Some people use lubricating eye drops to relieve dry eyes. Although they will provide temporary relief, frequent application without adjustment does more harm than good. Artificial tears will disguise the issue for a while, but the condition could be worsening out of sight. If you use drops a few times a day or if they don’t work at all, it means that your eyes need medical attention. Such issues as chronic glandular failure are to be treated individually, not artificially, around the clock.
Watery eyes may also be a symptom of dryness
Interestingly, watery eyes may indicate dry eyes. If your eyes are not well lubricated, they overcompensate by producing more inferior tears. They dry out fast and do not help to remove dryness. If your eyes are watery all the time, even when you are not crying or even when you happen to be outside on a windy day, then you must take it seriously. Constant tearing can also be a symptom of plugged tear ducts, which can only be adequately diagnosed by an optometrist.
Sensitivity to light and eye fatigue
If the light suddenly starts bothering you or your eyes fatigue too fast, it’s another red flag. Light sensitivity occurs when the eye surface becomes red or inflamed, often a condition that arises in people with undetected dry eye syndrome. But soon you’ll find that this sensitivity will cause headaches and blunt your concentration, whether reading or driving. Chronic eye strain means your eyes are exerting effort to remain lubricated. This is something that will not correct itself without professional help.
Putting it off can permanently damage eyes
Without adequate moisture, the cornea will begin to form minute scratches or ulcers, which can become infected and scarred. Loss of vision may result in the worst cases. Others even go through chronic aches due to their corneal nerves turning into sensitivities. Rebooking an appointment with an eye specialist as early as possible enables you to undergo a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that targets the underlying cause. For instance, progressive dry eye treatment in Melbourne can restore your tear balance and shield your eye surface against further damage.
When to see an optometrist
You never want to wait until it hurts so much that you can’t stand it or until your eyesight is significantly compromised. If you have recurrent dryness, redness or watering, you need to book an eye checkup. Eye physicians can perform simple tests to assess the tear film, measure tear production, and rule out plugged glands, allergies, or other causes of dryness. Early detection has a propensity to prevent treatment in the long run.
What can start as a little sensation of dryness at times can be your eyes sending you a message about larger things. The eyes are delicate organs that rely on balanced moisture to function well. Getting a professional’s assessment early enough is the only guarantee that your eyes are clean and at ease. When dryness won’t go away or interferes with your daily routine, it’s a message that your eyes are in need. At times, the minute thing that seems like nothing is really your body’s warning signal that it’s time to take action before it is too late.
