Around 16 million Americans have a diagnosis for dry eyes, but many more haven't been properly diagnosed yet. At the Bolduc Eye Care in Biddeford, Maine, the experienced optometry care providers understand how irritating dry eyes can be, and they're here with the treatments you need. Call the office or click the online scheduling tool for dry eye help now.
Your tears typically create a protective tear film over your eyes whenever you blink. This barrier of water and oil keeps the surface of your eye (the cornea) hydrated and comfortable.
If you suffer from dry eyes, you don't make enough tears or don't create the kind of tears your eyes need for ideal lubrication. Dry eyes can cause very uncomfortable symptoms and may potentially be debilitating if untreated.
Typical dry eyes symptoms include:
Sometimes, dry eyes also set off bouts of eye-watering. Unfortunately, these types of tears are not lubricating, and they leave your eyes irritated.
Dry eye can occur for several reasons. Some of the factors that may be contributing to your dry eye symptoms include:
Often, dry eyes happen as you age. Most men and women over age 65 suffer dry eye symptoms at least occasionally.
Dry eye is particularly common in women after menopause, which is likely connected to hormone loss. Any hormone changes, including the use of oral or injected hormones and pregnancy, can cause dry eyes.
Many diseases can cause dry eyes, with some of the most common triggers, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and conditions that cause thyroid disease, such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Some kinds of oral medication, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and hypertensive medications can lower your natural tear production.
Constant exposure to smoke, dry air, and wind can all cause dry eyes.
The longer that you peer fixedly at a screen without regular blinking, the higher your risk for dry eyes. These risks apply to many Americans today because the use of computers, tablets, and smartphones is commonplace.
Eye surgery like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can potentially cause temporary dry eyes during the recovery period.
Bolduc Eye Care diagnoses dry eye and finds its underlying causes so you can start an effective treatment plan immediately.
Bolduc Eye Care offers solutions for dry eyes according to the cause and symptoms. Usually, prescription eye drops that add tears, conserve your natural tears, or increase your body’s tear production are helpful. You might also need warm compresses, eyelid massage, or eyelid cleaning solutions to improve your eye health and enhance natural tear production.
Call Bolduc Eye Care or use online scheduling to make your appointment anytime.
