WHY DO MY EYES FEEL DRY IN THE MORNING?
DRY EYE SYNDROME is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. In other words, not enough tears = not enough moisture!
DON’T BLINK OR YOU’LL MISS IT…
OR AT LEAST MISS OUT ON MOISTURE!
Blinking is a crucial way of giving your eyes the lubrication they need. Every time you blink, tears spread over the surface of your eyes keeping them moisturized.
Of course, when we sleep, we don’t blink. No blinking means no moisture for your eyes, causing you to experience dry eyes in the morning when you wake up.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE 12 SYMPTOMS?
GRITTY, ITCHY, OR BURNING SENSATION
SENSITIVTY TO LIGHT
BLURRY VISION
REDNESS
SWOLLEN EYELIDS
PROBLEMS WEARING CONTACTS
WATERY EYES
TROUBLE READING
DIFFICULTY DRIVING
TROUBLE WATCHING TV
FATIGUED EYES AT THE END OF THE DAY
“SOMETHING IN MY EYE” FEELING
IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS DUE TO DRY EYES, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?
THESE 16 FACTORS CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THE REASON FOR YOUR DRY EYES:
AGING
HORMONES
SMOKING
ENVIRONMENT
CONTACTS
LASIK
DRUGS
DIET
HEALTH STATUS
MEDICATIONS
DEHYDRATION
FLYING
HEAVY READNING/ DIGITAL DEVICE USE
TEAR PRODUCTION DEFICIENCY
THYROID OR VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES
INFLAMMATION
IF YOU LIVE IN THESE AREAS, YOU MAY ALSO BE AT AN INCREASED RISK FOR DRY EYE SYNDROME:
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF MY DRY EYES GO UNTREATED?
EYE INFECTIONS
Proper lubrication protects the surface of your eyes. If your eyes are not producing enough tears, they are more vulnerable to infection.
DECREASED QUALITY OF LIFE
Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, like day or night time driving, using your computer, and reading. After all, the constant discomfort is a constant frustration!
EYE SURFACE DAMAGE
If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcer, and vision problems.
HOW ARE DRY EYES TREATED?
DAILY EYELID CARE WITH WIPES
Making daily eyelid cleaning part of your routine removes bacteria build-up, promotes beneficial oil production, and allows your eyes to stay lubricated naturally.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease dry eye symptoms.
ARTIFICIAL TEARS
These can be thin (short-lasting) or thick (long-lasting). They should not be used at work or while driving, because they can make it difficult to see.
STEROID EYE DROPS
Eye drops can be used short-term to manage dry eye symptoms.
PUNCTAL PLUGS
Eye doctors can provide punctal plugs that help tears remain on the surface longer to moisturize your eyes.
