Do you find yourself struggling with sensitivity to light, even on cloudy days? Are your eyes constantly dry and irritated, especially after staring at a computer screen for long periods? If so, you may have dry eye syndrome. This condition not only makes you more sensitive to light but also causes other uncomfortable symptoms like redness, itchiness, and blurry vision. In this post, we’ll explore the connection between dry eye and light sensitivity and what you can do to find relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. Other symptoms of dry eye include burning, stinging, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Many factors can contribute to dry eye, such as aging, hormonal changes, medications, and environmental factors like dry air or wind.
Why does dry eye cause light sensitivity?
When your eyes are dry, they become more sensitive to light. This is because tears help to lubricate and protect your eyes. Without enough moisture, your eyes are more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. As a result, bright light can cause discomfort, pain, and sensitivity.
Dry eye can also cause light sensitivity by damaging your cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface on the front of your eye. When your eyes are dry, the cornea can get irritated or scratched, making it more sensitive to light. This can lead to other symptoms like redness or feeling like there’s something in your eye.
How to treat light sensitivity
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They can run some tests to see if you have dry eye syndrome and suggest the best treatment options. Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can help like taking breaks from screens or using a humidifier. In more severe cases, you might need medications or medical procedures.
Another way to find relief from dry eyes and light sensitivity is to use special eyewear. You could try tinted lenses or lenses with anti-glare coatings to reduce the impact of bright light on your eyes. Your eye doctor can recommend the best options to fit your needs.
If you’re struggling with light sensitivity and dry eye, there are many treatment options available to help you find relief. By working with your eye doctor and making lifestyle changes, you can experience clearer vision and better comfort, even in bright or dry conditions. At EyeQ Optical, our dry eye specialist in Spokane Valley offers safe and effective treatments for dry eye. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you get relief.