Of all the five senses, the one that seems to be the most treasured is that of sight. Perhaps that is why when something suddenly appears to be going wrong with the eyes, people tend to panic. However, it is important to understand that although there are many different types of eye ailments, many are very easily treatable. Dry eye syndrome is one of these.
There are many external and internal factors that can impact your eyes. Temperature and weather, in particular, can play a tremendous role in your vision. For that reason, the harsh winter weather so common in Oklahoma can often be partially or entirely responsible for the condition known as dry eyes or dry eye syndrome.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Some five million people age 50 and above suffer from dry eye syndrome, with millions more individuals of other ages suffering as well. Women are more susceptible to having dry eyes, but men can suffer from the condition too. When climate and temperature changes occur, the number of sufferers can spike dramatically.
Eyes need moisture in order to function properly. The eyes receive moisture in two ways: through the tear ducts and through humidity in the air. Tear ducts generally produce enough moisture to maintain the amount of fluid necessary to clean and lubricate the eye. When the amount of tears being produced diminishes, the eyes soon become dry.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Humidity simply refers to the amount of moisture in the air. It is affected by such factors as climate and weather. Humidity levels tend to drop in the winter, making it more difficult for the eyes to stay properly moisturized. Because of this, many people who do not normally have any such eye problems will find that in the winter months they are suddenly faced with difficulty seeing or focusing.
Oklahoma’s winters play a large role in seasonal dry eye syndrome in this area, especially during the months of December, January and February when the lows can get down to the mid-20’s or below and the days are often hard-pressed to find their way out of the 30’s. As a result, we see plenty of patients who are suffering from a sudden loss of clear vision or persistent irritation of their eyes. When this occurs, we look at several factors to determine whether or not what they may be experiencing is, in fact, dry eye syndrome.
What are the Characteristics of Dry Eye Syndrome?
The most common symptoms indicating the presence of this syndrome can include:
- Inflammation and redness of the eyes
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- Itchiness in the eyes
- A sensation of having a foreign object in one or both eyes, but nothing is visible upon examination
- Blurriness and difficulty focusing
How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome
The good news is that dry eyes can be easily treated in several different ways. One would be to use some type of prescription or over-the-counter lubricating eye drop. These medications can be administered directly to the eyes to relieve irritation and discomfort and provide needed moisture.
Taking certain natural supplements can also help your eyes stay hydrated, especially in a dry climate. Flax seed oil or fish oil supplements can be beneficial, as can drinking plenty of water.
Finally, if you tend to struggle with dry eyes regularly, you should consider running a humidifier in your home or office. This can help add moisture to the air around you, relieving the strain on your eyes.
Even if you believe your condition to be a simple case of dry eyes from winter weather, it is important that you contact us for a proper diagnosis and advice on the right form of treatment for you, just in case there is actually something more serious going on. As your local OKC optometrist, we can provide you with the best care possible to help you find the right solution for restored vision and comfort.