Dry Eye Doctors & Treatment in Lakewood, CO
Are your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and gritty? Do they burn or itch? If yes, you might be experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, and it’s time to take action and seek help from a dry eye specialist.
For residents of Lakewood, CO, Denver Vision offers comprehensive dry eye testing and treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve your eye health. This blog will look into the causes and symptoms of dry eye disease, as well as the importance of early dry eye tests and treatment.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Also known as dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs due to loss of balance in the tear film. It arises when a patient lacks enough tears to nourish and lubricate the eye.
Tears play a crucial role in keeping the eyes healthy and functioning properly. For instance, lubrication protects the eye from irritants. The tear film consists of three layers:
- A lipid (oily) layer
- An aqueous (watery) layer
- A mucin (sticky) layer
Each layer serves a specific purpose in maintaining the health of the eye, and when the balance is lost, you develop dry eye disease.
Dry Eye Disease Causes & Risk Factors
Whether happy or sad, the eye still produces tears to keep your eyes comfortable. Here are two major causes of dry eye disease:
Inadequate tears
Inadequate tears can cause dry eyes in the following ways:
- Reduced moisture: Tears provide moisture to the surface of the eyes, which is necessary to maintain a healthy ocular surface.
- Lack of lubrication: Tears lubricate the eyes, allowing them to move smoothly and comfortably.
- Reduced protection: Tears protect the eyes from infections by washing away foreign substances such as dust and debris.
- Decrease in nutrient levels: Tears contain essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are necessary for the health of the eyes.
Poor quality of tears
Poor quality of tears can also contribute to dry eye disease. For instance, a lipid layer deficiency can increase tears’ evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation. This can occur due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce the lipids in tears.
Aqueous and mucin tear deficiency can also lead to a lack of moisture on the surface of the eye, causing dry eye disease.
Risk factorsÂ
Here are some reasons for dry eye development.
- Age: If you’re 50 years or older, you are more likely to develop dry eye disease because of decreased tear production and changes in tear composition.
- Gender: Dry eye disease is more prevalent in females than males, primarily because hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, and birth control pills affect the quantity and quality of tears produced.
- Environmental conditions: Environmental factors such as dry air, windy conditions, and prolonged use of digital devices can cause or worsen dry eye disease.
- Medication: Medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can cause dry eye syndrome.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and thyroid disorders can increase the risk of developing dry eye disease.
Dry Eye Symptoms & Detection
The symptoms of dry eye disease can vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some of these symptoms include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Excessive tearing
Contact Denver Vision for A Dry Eye Consultation
Don’t ignore dry eye symptoms. Seek treatment from a dry eye specialist at Denver Vision and say goodbye to uncomfortable and irritating dry eye symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Our dry eye experts have years of experience diagnosing and treating this condition. Moreover, we use the latest diagnostic tools and tailor treatment plans to meet your eye needs.
Contact us today to schedule a dry eye consultation and take the first step towards relief.
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