Many who live in Wichita are not strangers to the symptoms of chronic dry eyes. The itching, burning, and rubbing can get so bad that it can just about drive a person up a wall. Since the eyes are considered by many to be a person’s most important sense, it is important to ensure that the symptoms of dry eyes do not lead to other vision-related complications. If any of the following sound familiar to you, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Patel at the Wichita Vision Institute to learn about treatment options!
Dry Environment
People who live in particularly dry climates are often vulnerable to exhibiting symptoms of dry eyes. Fortunately, even if an environment is extremely dry, measures can be taken to introduce humidity into the environment: such as with the use of a humidifier. If this does not work so well, it may be beneficial to consult with a physician about a prescription-strength medication to help with tear production to counteract the drying effect of the environment in which a patient lives.
Computers and Screens
What many people with dry eyes do not realize is that their computer may be the culprit causing their symptoms. When people get used to staring at a computer screen all day long, they spend far less time blinking. Blinking helps to distribute moisture that is essential for lubricating the eyes and getting rid of chronic dryness. A person does not have to completely give up using their computer, but it is recommended that they take frequent breaks to retrain their eyes back to blinking on a regular basis. Alternatively, if a person uses a smartphone a lot or watches television for prolonged periods of time, the same sort of interruption to frequent blinking can occur that leads to symptoms of dry eyes.
Smoking
Smoke is a well-known eye irritant and cause for dry eyes. For many smokers, the solution seems straightforward. Giving up the vice of smoking is a key factor in helping their eyes to find relief. It is also a key factor in preventing other health conditions like COPD and cancer.
Medications
What a lot of people suffering from dry eyes fail to consider is that the medications they are taking may be the cause of their discomfort. It turns out that chronic dry eyes is a common side effect of certain popular medications. If this is the case, it may be time to speak with a doctor to talk about changing the medication a patient is on to improve the dry eye symptoms being exhibited in their case.
If you think you may be struggling with dry eyes, call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at the Wichita Vision Institute and we’ll be happy to help you!