Dry eyes are an irritating condition, but their discomfort and irritation often do not cause alarm. As such, some people tend to ignore the problem and pass it off as a nonfactor. However, this is not a safe practice. Dry eyes are not always a sign of a more serious problem, but sometimes they are. At the very least, any person who has a recurring issue with dry eyes should take a visit to their eye doctor.
Underlying Issue
For someone who has dry eyes once every so many months or even years, there may be little reason behind the problem. However, when dry eyes are a recurring issue, there is always an underlying issue that can be causing the problem.
Sometimes, the problem is linked directly to the eyes. For example, an infection can disrupt the tear glands and prevent them from producing tears properly. In other cases, the underlying cause is not directly related to the eyes at all. For instance, certain medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect. Whatever the cause, addressing the underlying issue is the first step in correcting the problem.
Potential Threats
Dry eyes can be especially irritating, but if the condition remains untreated for too long, it can also lead to serious concerns. First, dry eyes can cause blurred vision. If you are driving, blurred vision can make it hard to see, which can be dangerous.
Second, tears also help keep the eyes' structures protected, including the cornea. Dry eyes can cause this structure to become inflamed and puts it at a greater risk for scarring, which can lead to permanent vision decline. There are a host of other issues that can arise from dry eyes, so it is critical to understand why your eyes are dry so that you can stay protected.
Management and Treatment
It is important to note that there is not always a way to eliminate dry eyes, as it can sometimes be the result of an autoimmune disease or other incurable condition. However, the condition can be managed and treated by a healthcare professional.
If the cause is a medication, changing to another medication is often enough to resolve the problem. If it is an infection, antibiotics can often restore balance to the eyes. For something more serious, eye drops, and other medications can be used to counteract the lack of tear production.
If you have dry eyes, do not ignore this issue. Make a visit with your eye doctor for a full examination and diagnosis.
