Help With Your Irritated Eyes… Tips For Dry Eye Syndrome Sufferers

Issue 7.11

Eye irritation is a very common problem, especially in desert-like regions such as St. George.  There are many causes, but some more common problems are Dry Eye Syndrome or Blepharitis.  Here are some tips to deal with it:

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough or healthy tears, causing your eyes to feel burning, scratchy, and irritated. People may constantly suffer symptoms, but symptoms will be intensified when performing certain activities like reading, driving, using a computer, watching TV., or when waking in the morning.  It may sound funny, but often people with Dry Eye Syndrome experience recurrent “teary” eyes.  This is often due to the reflex tearing the eye creates when sensing irritation from dryness.  This reflex tearing, however, usually only provides very temporary relief.  The condition is more common in older adults and in those with autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, and can be exacerbated by certain medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants.  Nonprescription artificial tears solutions can be helpful, but if they don’t do the job, an eye doctor should be consulted, as excessive dryness can damage your eyes.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an excess growth of bacteria that is ordinarily found on the skin, and occasionally caused by allergies.  It is a common eye condition, causing the eyelids to be reddened, irritated, and somewhat swollen and scaly-appearing at the base of the eyelashes.  The scales can become courser, and may cause the lids to stick together when waking in the morning. If the crusts work their way into your eye, you may feel like you have “something in your eye” or experience a gritty sensation.  Blepharitis cannot be cured; however it can be treated and controlled through some simple eyelid hygiene techniques. Your eye doctor may recommend certain medications, specific hygiene instructions, or a combination of methods to help you manage the condition.

Jason W. Hendrix is a Board certified Ophthalmologist, and fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  He is in private practice at the St. George Eye Center. For appointments or information, call 435-628-4507.