Dry eye might be an ongoing condition brought on by your environment, a side effect of a medication you're taking, or a sign of another health concern.
Whatever the cause, it's important to know when to contact your doctor so you may receive the care you require.
Symptoms
When you have dry eye, it can show up in many different ways, including:
Stinging, burning, or itchiness
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Light sensitivity
Feeling like you have something in your eyes
Redness
Trouble wearing contacts
Problems driving at night
Trouble reading or looking at a screen for a long time
Watery eyes
Blurry vision
Tired eyes or heavy eyelids
Trouble producing tears when you feel like crying
Often, over-the-counter medications like artificial tears, gels, and ointments can help you control these symptoms. It's best to call a doctor in such cases.
When and Where to Get Help
Your family doctor may frequently diagnose common dry eye and recommend artificial tears. A expert in eyes may be required in more severe instances.
Your doctor wants to know if your dry eye is causing you discomfort or preventing you from doing routine duties. For example, you should plan a visit if:
Your symptoms aren’t going away.
You’re not sure what’s causing your dry eye.
At-home treatment doesn’t help.
To determine what is causing your dry eye, consult your doctor. Also, they'll want to make sure it hasn't advanced. The front of your eye can become harmed by advanced dry eye. It may also result in scars on the surface of your eyes, eye inflammation, or ulcers over time. These factors can all impair your vision.
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