Top Signs You Should See a Doctor for Dry Eyes

Dry eye is a condition that develops when the eyes do not have adequate and quality tears. Tears are essential for the lubrication and nourishment of the eyes. The dry eye condition is characterized by a scratchy sensation in the eyes, burning, heavy eyelids, and eye pain. 

The condition can be caused by different factors, including too much screen time, certain medications, environmental factors, aging, and more. The Following are signs that you have dry eyes.

Burning Sensation or Eye Pain

If you experience pain or a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes, you need to visit a doctor. This can be an indication that you have dry eyes. Some people find relief by using lubricating drops, but this remedy does not work for chronic dry eyes. If not treated, the condition can lead to infection or even corneal ulcers. This is a major sign that you should see a doctor.

Extreme Sensitivity to Light

Light sensitivity is a common symptom of dry eyes. Photophobia or severe light sensitivity can cause other symptoms such as eye tiredness, eye pain, redness, and headaches. If you experience extreme light sensitivity, it is a sign that you should see a doctor for dry eye treatment. Being extremely sensitive to light can make it almost impossible to be in a room with fluorescent lighting. Watching TV, using a computer, and other activities become difficult.

Difficulty Wearing Contacts

If you have difficulty wearing contact lenses, it is a sign that you should visit a doctor. This is a common sign of dry eyes. People with dry eyes find it extremely uncomfortable to wear the lenses due to a lack of lubrication. Removing the contacts can be difficult and can lead to damage to the eye lenses. Many patients end up accidentally scratching the eye surface while removing their contacts.

Constant Use of Eye Drops

If you find yourself using eye drops regularly, it is a sign that you should visit an eye doctor for a checkup. Many people use OTC drops several times every day for relief. If this is you, it is important to visit an eye doctor so you can get a stronger prescription. The doctor can prescribe the right medication depending on the underlying cause of your eye dryness.

Experiencing Blurry Vision

Dry eyes often lead to blurry or double vision. Blurry vision is a symptom of several eye conditions. If you find it difficult to see well due to blurry vision, it is very important to visit an eye doctor. 

In some cases, blinking several times or applying lubricating eye drops can help. But if the blurry vision fails to improve, you need to visit an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye examination will help determine the root cause of the blurry vision. 

Apart from being very uncomfortable, dry eyes can make it very difficult to perform tasks such as reading, writing, or driving. Chronic dry eyes can lead to damage or infections to the eye surface. In some cases, dry eyes can be temporarily caused by a particular environment. This is usually easy to treat with over-the-counter solutions. If your dry eye condition has gone on for a long time, you need to visit a doctor. 

For more on the signs that you should see a doctor for dry eyes, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in ​​​​​​Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 452-1039 today to schedule an appointment.