What Causes Dry Eye? How Is It Treated?
What is dry eye?
Tears are not just water; they form a complex layer that protects the surface of the eye. When the quantity or quality of tears is insufficient, dry eye can develop.
What are the symptoms?
Burning, stinging, a gritty sensation, redness, a feeling of heaviness in the eyes, sensitivity to light and intermittent blurred vision may occur. Paradoxically, some patients may also have watery eyes.
What causes it?
Prolonged screen use, dry environments, contact lenses, age-related changes and various ocular surface problems can play a role.
How is it treated?
Treatment is planned according to the cause and severity of the dryness. Artificial tears, changes to the environment and, in patients who need them, other treatments may be used.
When is an eye examination needed?
If you have a vision complaint that is new, ongoing or affecting your daily life, it is advisable to have it evaluated with an eye examination. Symptoms such as sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain or a curtain/shadow in your visual field should be evaluated without delay.
Information note: This article has been prepared for general information purposes. Decisions on diagnosis and treatment should be made after evaluating the person's eye examination and medical condition.
