Dry eye is an uncomfortable and frustrating condition to endure but you may not even know you have it. Dry eye is different than simply sensitivity and is caused by inadequate tear production. This can lead to stinging and burning. While dry eye may be situational (only when looking at a computer screen or on an airplane) you may also be dealing with it nearly 24/7.
What Is Dry Eye?
Definition Dry eye is a condition that develops when your eyes do not produce enough tears or not the right type. It is common in post-menopausal women and older adults.
If you’re concerned with your symptoms and think you may have dry eye, complete the self-evaluation below and consult with your optometrist to develop a treatment plan.
Dry Eye Self-Evaluation
Consider the following symptoms frequency and severity and rank each on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 not frequent or severe at all, 10 extremely often and very severe). Determine your average rating. If the average is 8 or higher you may be suffering from dry eye.
Note: This short self-evaluation is not to be used for diagnosis. It is simply a way to help you identify symptoms of dry eye. No matter your average rating on this self-evaluation, it is still important to see your optometrist who can help your manage your discomfort and get to the root cause of your symptoms.
Frequency
- Dryness
- Grittiness
- Burning or Irritation
- Watering
- Eye Fatigue
Severity
- Dryness
- Grittiness
- Burning or Irritation
- Watering
- Eye Fatigue
Dry Eye FAQs
How long does dry eye last?
The length of time you experience dry eye will depend on the type of dry eye you are experiencing and what specifically is causing it. Dry eye may go away on its own without treatment or it may last for extended periods of time. The best course of action is to speak with a professional and have them develop a treatment plan that will help you manage your dry eye symptoms.
How do you prevent dry eye?
You can avoid dry eye by giving yourself adequate breaks from screens throughout the day, keeping your contacts switched out at the required intervals, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, and using artificial tears to manage dryness.
Is there a cure for dry eye?
There are no permanent cures for dry eye at the time of writing. However, there are a number of treatment options on the market to help you manage uncomfortable symptoms.
Can dry eye cause blindness?
Yes, dry eye can cause partial or total blindness when left untreated. Dry eye can damage the cornea leading to vision loss.