Are Itchy Eyes a Symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome?

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Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate the areas that need moisture. Your Champaign, IL eye doctor can diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome, based on your symptoms. One of the most unrecognized symptoms of this condition is itchy eyes. 

Are Your Itchy Eyes Caused by Dry Eye Syndrome?

Even though itchiness is definitely one of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, there are other reasons why your eyes may be itchy. One of them is allergies. You could be allergic to pollen, grass, or any number of other seasonal allergens. You might also be allergic to some kind of eye makeup that you’re wearing, or the laundry detergent you’re using. Bear in mind that allergies can crop up at any time of life. Even if you weren’t allergic before, you may have developed a new allergy.

Other Symptoms of Dry Eyes

If you do have dry eye syndrome, you’ll have some other symptoms besides itchiness. These include:

  • redness
  • puffy eyes
  • gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
  • blurry vision

You may have other symptoms, too. When you visit your eye doctor, bring a list of all your symptoms. This will help in evaluating whether you have dry eye syndrome or something else, such as an eye infection or eye allergies.

Allergy Symptoms

It’s good to distinguish between allergy-related itching and dry eye syndrome. Allergies typically present with additional symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes.

Contact us today for a dry eye evaluation in Champaign, IL. You’ll find out once and for all if your itchy eyes are caused by this condition. After that, your eye doctor will recommend a treatment plan so you can finally get relief. 

 

Ophthalmologist examining patient's eyes

What Are Demodex Mites and Do They Contribute to Dry Eyes?

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If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from dry eyes, you may already know that the causes are not always easy to identify. From excess screen time to gland dysfunction, the reality is that that stinging, burning sensation could be coming from anywhere. If you know nothing about Demodex mites, you might want to learn more about these microscopic creatures and how they can impact your eyesight.

 

What Are Demodex Mites?

Demodex mites are small, wormlike creatures that live on both the skin and eyelashes. They’re usually fueled by the dead cells and oils in your body, and while they may be unpleasant to think about, they are usually harmless. However, if they have the chance to multiply, they can cause anything from skin to eyelid inflammation.

Do Demodex Mites Lead to Dry Eyes?

Yes, Demodex mites can cause burning, itching, redness, and crusting of eyelids that translate to dry eyes. If you feel like you constantly have something in your eyes but can’t identify the source, it could be an overgrowth of these mites. Dry eyes in Champaign, IL, are a harmless condition on the surface in that they won’t typically lead to eye damage or more serious eye diseases. However, dry eyes can impair your ability to perform critical activities, like driving, so it’s important to get your dry eyes checked out.

See an Eye Doctor in Champaign

The right eye doctor in Champaign, IL can assess the severity of your dry eyes and recommend solutions for the problem. If you do have Demodex mites, it may just be as simple as using a medicated scrub or ointment to kill off the mites. To schedule an evaluation contact Champaign Eye Professionals today!

Identifying the Different Kinds of Dry Eye

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Dry eye is a disease that affects tens of millions of people worldwide. It can occur alone or as part of another medical condition. If you are experiencing vision issues, your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, can help.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Here is what you might be experiencing if you have dry eye.

  • Itching, burning, or stinging eyes.
  • Light sensitivity.
  • Watery eyes with excess tearing,
  • Blurred vision or other vision changes.
  • Eye mucus.

Identifying the Different Kinds of Dry Eye

There are several different kinds of dry eye in Champaign, IL. Most people think dry eye is when their eyes don’t make enough tears, but that’s not all there is to it.

  • Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye

Aqueous deficient dry eye is the kind where your eyes don’t make enough tears. This deficiency is due to reduced aqueous production from your lacrimal glands. In addition, some autoimmune conditions cause inflammation in the lacrimal glands, preventing them from producing enough aqueous tears.

  • Evaporative Dry Eye

Evaporative dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, as the name implies. This type of dry eye is usually caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, which occurs when the glands in your eyelids don’t work properly.

  • Mixed Dry Eye

Mixed dry eye occurs when people have a combination of aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. This is especially uncomfortable for those people because their eyes don’t produce enough tears and they have tear instability simultaneously.

Do You Need an Optometrist in Champaign, IL?

Never put off getting eye issues diagnosed! The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can get your life back to normal. Contact Champaign Eye Professionals today to schedule a dry eye evaluation.

Guy rubbing eyes as feeling tired after wearing glasses while working over freelance project on computer standing with eyewear in hand and closed eyes being drained and exhausted, being hardworking

End Your Struggles with Dry Eyes

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If you suffer from chronic dry eye, you need quick and permanent relief. When you schedule an appointment with youreye doctor in Champaign, IL, we’ll find the source of your discomfort and provide soothing solutions to get you through the day.

What Causes Dry Eye? 

Dry eyes happen because your tears are not lubricating your eyes sufficiently. Many factors may contribute to chronically dry eyes. They include:

  • Normal aging
  • Medical conditions such as lupus or vitamin deficiency
  • Certain medications you’re taking
  • Smoking
  • Allergies
  • Exposure to dry air or wind

Fortunately, your vision specialist has simple solutions for most instances of dry eye. For this reason, you should keep regular appointments for routine eye exams, especially as you age.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eyes cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the sensation that there’s something in your eye. They may make it difficult to wear contact lenses or to spend time in front of a computer screen. If you notice dry eye symptoms, talk with your eye doctor immediately. The sooner you seek diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you’ll feel relief.

Treatment for Dry Eyes in Champaign, IL

If you need help with dry eyes in Champaign, IL, Champaign Eye Professionals has solutions. In many instances, eyedrops are all that’s needed to bring relief. Our dedicated team may recommend prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, oral medications, tear duct plugs, special contact lenses, or another form of therapy. Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier at home or quitting smoking, may also help.

Find immediate relief today by contacting Champaign Eye Professionals for diagnosis and treatment of chronic dry eyes.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Dry Eye and Pink Eye?  

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Dry eye and pink eye are distinctly different problems, but they can have symptoms that look similar. If you believe you’re having either one of these issues, contact your eye doctor in Champaign, IL to find out next steps. Below is what you should know about dry eye and pink eye, and what the differences are between them.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears, and that leaves the eyes feeling dry. Dry eye can occur for a variety of reasons including environmental factors, medication side effects, seasonal allergies, aging, hormonal factors and illness.

Some people suffer from dry eye on an annual basis due to their reaction pollen in the air, while others suffer from dry eye because of conditions that are not seasonal or cyclical. Dry eye symptoms include a dry or gritty sensation in the eyes, increased tear production, eyes look red and irritated, sensitivity to light, eyes glued shut after sleeping, itching, and a feeling of eye strain.

What is pink eye?

Pink eye is a condition that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva (tissues lining the eyelid). Many things can cause pink eye, including allergens and viruses. If you have pink eye, your eye will be red or pink, and the eyelid may start to look droopy. Pink eye symptoms are very similar to the dry eye symptoms listed above, although someone with pink eye may experience more discharge from the eye, and more discomfort.

How can I tell the difference between dry eye and pink eye?

Call your eye doctor to find out next steps. Your eye doctor may ask you to come in for an eye exam in Champaign, IL. To learn more about what you should do for your dry eye or pink eye, call Champaign Eye Professionals.

 

 

When Does Dry Eye Become a Medical Problem?

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A dry eye is expected when the eyes are not lubricated enough, causing discomfort and irritation. Although it is a common issue, it is essential to understand when it becomes a medical problem that requires professional attention.

The skilled team at Champaign Eye Professionals of Champaign, IL, is proud to serve the local community with premium eye care services, including preventing ocular issues from degenerating into more complex problems.

What is Dry Eye?

A dry eye occurs when your tears are insufficient to provide moisture and lubrication to your eyes. Various factors, including age, hormonal changes, medications, and environmental elements like dry air or wind, can cause this condition. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to serious eye problems, including vision loss.

When Should I See a Professional?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is essential to seek professional medical attention:

  1. Persistent dryness, itching, and burning sensation in your eyes.
  2. Sensitivity to light and glare.
  3. Redness or swelling of your eyes.
  4. Blurry vision or difficulty seeing clearly.
  5. Feeling like there is something stuck in your eye.

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to help you get the relief you need and deserve.

Your Trusted Eye Care Team

Our clinic has a team of highly trained professionals specializing in treating dry eye. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to diagnose and treat this condition effectively. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. During your next appointment with the proficient team at Champaign Eye Professionals of Champaign, IL, you can be confident that you are receiving the best care and guidance you and your family deserve.

dry-eyes

How to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome

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If you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome in Champaign, IL, you need to treat your eyes with special care. Dry eye is a condition that means that your eyes do not produce sufficient moisture. Millions of people around the world suffer from this condition. It’s essential that you learn to manage with dry eye syndrome so that you can enjoy the best eyesight possible without accidentally worsening your condition.

Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome is the persistent sandy, gritty feeling in the eyes. To combat this, many people with dry eye syndrome resort to using readily available, over-the-counter eye drops. However, these inexpensive eye drops do little except provide short-term relief. In the long run, they actually make the condition worse by increasing dryness. Only use prescribed eye drops from your eye doctor in Champaign, IL. These medicated eye drops will alleviate that uncomfortable gritty sensation without harming the eyes.

Consider Sclera Lenses

Most people can tolerate regular contact lenses. But if you have dry eye syndrome, regular contact lenses can be damaging. Instead of forcing yourself to bear the discomfort of contacts, ask your eye doctor about sclera lenses. These lenses only contact the eyes around the perimeter of the lens, making them a great choice for those with dry eye syndrome.

Stay Hydrated

Your eyes can only create moisture if there is sufficient hydration in the body, no matter what conditions you suffer from. If you have dry eye syndrome, make a special point to get sufficient hydration throughout the day. Remember that if you’re thirsty, your body may already be dehydrated.

Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, will have more tips for you to properly manage dry eye syndrome. Contact us today to learn more.