Authored by: Dr. Fareed Ali
Do you find that your eyes are often itchy and you tend to rub them throughout the day? The summer season unfortunately brings forward an onset of allergies, as the aroma of freshly cut grass and pollen linger in the air. If you find that your eyes are often uncomfortable, itchy, and red, it’s possible that you may suffer from dry eyes!
What causes dry eye syndrome, you ask? It’s caused from an improper production of tears which leads to a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.
This can occur due to age, gender or medical and environmental conditions. Without tears, blinking can be extremely uncomfortable. This can become very frustrating for those with dry eyes as we blink thousands of times per day!
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
So, what can be done to cure dry eyes? Here are a few options that can help your eyes feel more comfortable:
- Avoid exposing your eyes directly to air
- Artificial tear solutions can be purchased at your local pharmacy that help to restore your eye’s natural tears and make your eyes feel more comfortable
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Place a warm compress on your eyes for 10 minutes each day
Are you thinking of getting LASIK, but you suffer from dry eye syndrome? No problem. Having dry eyes does not rule you out completely, but there may be a delay in your treatment. A normal and healthy production of tears is required for a successful LASIK treatment, as tears help to prevent against infection. Before you undergo the procedure, your doctor will evaluate your tear production and if a lack of tearfilm is found, you may be given eye drops.
If you have questions about your eyes and your eligibility for LASIK, book a free consultation today!