Allergies are a common cause of dry eyes, but your dry eye symptoms could be caused by something else entirely. At Highland Family Eye Care, our Saint Paul Optometrist can help you get to the root of your symptoms so you can achieve the long-lasting relief you’ve been looking for.

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Do I Have Dry Eye?

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you could have dry eyes:

  • Burning or itchy eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • The sensation of something gritty stuck in your eyes
  • Red, swollen eyes
  • Excessive watery discharge
  • Crusty residue on your lashes and eyelids
  • Increased sensitivity to glare and lights

Dry eye can affect people of all ages, although it tends to be more common in older adults.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eyes can be caused by a diverse range of conditions. Normally, the outer surfaces of our eyes are covered with a moisturizing and protective tear film. If this tear film dries up or becomes insufficient, dry eye symptoms can develop.

We already know that allergies are a common cause of dry eye, whether it’s an allergy to pollen, dust, mold, cosmetics, medications, or pet dander. Exposure to smoke can also lead to irritating dry eye symptoms.

For some individuals, dry eyes are due to an underlying autoimmune disorder like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjoren’s syndrome. Another condition that can lead to dry eye symptoms is called Meibomian gland dysfunction. These glands normally secrete a special oil into your tears that prevents them from evaporating too quickly. Without these glands functioning properly, your tear film might be insufficient.

Dry eyes can even occur as a result of excessive computer use or climate changes (e.g., cold, dry, and/or windy weather).

Dry Eye Treatment in Saint Paul, MN: What to Expect

Artificial tears can provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms, but without identifying and addressing the root cause of your dry eyes, you could just end up dealing with recurring symptoms. Our optometrist in Saint Paul, MN uses advanced diagnostic techniques to determine what’s causing your discomfort.

He’ll then prescribe specific treatments to help you feel and see better, including medications, prescription eyewear changes, and lifestyle counseling to keep your dry eye symptoms from returning.

Tired of Dry Eyes?

Don’t let dry eyes frustrate you any longer! Contact Highland Family Eye Care today at (651) 699-5400 to schedule an appointment with our Saint Paul optometrist Dr. Brian Snyder and get to the bottom of your symptoms.