OOMC News

Seasonal Vs. Chronic Dry Eyes – When To See An Eye Doctor

June 11, 2024

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Nearly everyone has experienced dry eyes for many reasons. Sometimes, it can be due to seasonal allergies or a chronic dry eye condition. Are you unsure of what you may be experiencing? A practitioner at OOMC can help you find relief for chronic dry eyes and determine if what you’re experiencing is seasonal or chronic dry eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition when your tear ducts are unable to produce enough liquid to lubricate your eyes properly. This can lead to eye inflammation and damage if left untreated long-term.

You may experience symptoms of dry eyes in some environments more than others, including dry environments with air conditioning, as well as if you’re looking at something that can cause eyestrain for long periods of time. Dehydration, in general, can also contribute to dry eye.

Sometimes, you may be more likely to experience dry eyes depending on your hormone levels. If you’re experiencing menopause or taking birth control, you may be more likely to experience dry eye.

How Do You Tell the Difference Between Seasonal and Chronic Dry Eyes?

For some people, dry eye is a seasonal condition. This type of dry eye is often caused by allergens like pollen in the air. The allergens that come into contact with your eyes can trigger an immune response, such as inflammation, which dries out your eyes.

Finding out the cause of your dry eyes can be essential to getting relief and treatment. While a proper diagnosis is needed, there are some hints that may tell you if your dry eyes are seasonal or a chronic condition. One of the most telling signs is the duration of your dry eye symptoms. Think about when you experience dry eyes. Is it only during a certain time of year? It could be a seasonal allergy, such as pollen!

It is possible to experience seasonal dry eyes and chronic dry eye symptoms at the same time. During the spring or fall, your eyes may dry more frequently, or you may experience additional eye symptoms such as an itching or burning sensation.

Diagnosing Chronic Dry Eyes

Chronic dry eye can be diagnosed by your eye doctor. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to visit an eye doctor for your chronic dry eyes:

  • Red or itchy eyes
  • Difficulty with nighttime driving
  • Blurred vision and eye fatigue
  • A sensation of having something in your eyes
  • Mucus in or around your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

OOMC eye doctors are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic tools to help diagnose chronic dry eyes. Once your doctor has determined the cause of your dry eye, they can recommend treatment options, including non-prescription eye drops, prescription medication, or amniotic tissue for cases with significant corneal damage.

Schedule an Appointment to Discuss Your Dry Eyes With an OOMC Provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic dry eyes, you can find relief with the help of a provider at your local OOMC practice. Our ophthalmologists can use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat your chronic dry eye. Contact your local OOMC practice to schedule an appointment today.

 

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