Constantly having dry eyes can make life very uncomfortable – but what can you do about it? And is it something you should see a doctor about? Read on for some more information about what may be causing your dry eyes and how to deal with this annoying and potentially harmful problem.
Why are my eyes always dry?
People who wear contacts, those who don’t get enough vitamin A, women, smokers, and people older than 50 are at a higher risk for dry eyes. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as some antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs for high blood pressure. Dry eyes can also be caused by a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or allergies.
However, dry eyes can also be the result of not blinking enough, which can happen when you are in front of the computer working for a long time or when you are driving a long distance. The air in your home or office may also be too dry and dry out your eyes. This can often be caused by heating and cooling systems.
What can I do about my dry eyes?
The solution for your dry eyes depends on why they are dry. If you think the air in your environment is too try, you could try a humidifier. If you notice your eyes get very dry after working for a while, make sure that you take breaks often – it can help if you just sit for a minute with your eyes closed. Stop smoking and avoid people who do. You can also try to protect your eyes from sun and wind with sunglasses, and you could try using artificial tears, which are available over the counter at your drug or grocery store.
If your eyes are always dry and uncomfortable and nothing seems to help, you should let your eye doctor know. If dry eye becomes very serious it can end up damaging your eyes and causing an infection. Richens Eye Center can help to find out why your eyes are so dry and what can be done about it. Call the office in St. George, UT, or Mesquite, NV, for an appointment. Call (435) 986-2020 today!
