Dry Eye Syndrome in Boca Raton: Causes and Long-Term Relief

Suffering from dry eye in Boca Raton (or, indeed, anywhere in the world) is, sadly, pretty common. The National Eye Institute estimates that around 16 million people have the condition, with it becoming more prevalent in those over 50, with more females affected than males—sorry ladies...

While we’re using Boca Raton as an example, because that’s where the West Boca Eye Center is located, the following treatment advice is applicable wherever you live. One of the biggest reasons that dry eye is a particular issue in the Sunshine State is because of the hot, humid climate, which drives us to spend an awful lot of time seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces. We’ll talk more about that in a moment, but let’s first define the problem and its causes.

Dry eye is caused by the body’s inability to keep the eyes sufficiently moisturized. In an eye that’s functioning normally, tears constantly drain through the tear duct to coat the eye’s surface and lower membranes. If this production becomes off for any reason, this can cause the eyes to feel gritty, sting, water excessively, become sensitive to light, and more.

Some of the most common causes of dry eye syndrome are:

• Aging: OK, so there’s not a lot you can do about this, but it becomes more likely the older you get, because tear production reduces as we age.
• Being female: Hormonal changes, especially during and after menopause, can affect the quantity and quality of the tears produced. Pregnancy can also do the same, as can taking any medication that impacts hormonal production (such as birth control pills).
• Excessive screen time: We tend not to blink very much when doing this. This means that the tears we produce don’t get moved around the eye as they should.
• Spending time in heated or air-conditioned environments: The air is drier here, meaning that moisture from the eyes naturally diffuses into the surrounding atmosphere.
• Windy, dry, and dusty environments: These conditions can cause the eyes to dry out. Getting dust in the eyes can exacerbate the condition, especially if you rub them.
• Wearing contact lenses: This can interfere with the natural distribution of tears across the eye.
• Alcohol and smoking: The former causes dehydration, which affects tear production. Smoking or being in smoky atmospheres can irritate the eye and—well, no one needs any reminding of how smoking disrupts virtually every aspect of health—so, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that it can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• Certain medications: Some, such as blood pressure pills, antidepressants, and antihistamines can reduce tear production.
• Certain medical conditions: Like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), lupus (an autoimmune condition), or Sjögren's syndrome, which affects the glands that produce fluids.

How to Treat Dry Eye in the Long-Term

Whether you’re seeking dry eye treatment in Florida or anywhere else, there are many ways you can proactively address the symptoms and underlying causes. Mild cases often respond well to conservative management and OTC medications, but it’s always advisable to seek help from your eye doctor before you self-diagnose.

Long-term methods include:

• Artificial tears: These can be bought from any drug store and should be used regularly throughout the day or at the first sign of eye irritation.
• Regularly swap contacts for eyeglasses: To give your eyes a rest.
• Clean your eyelids daily: Using a dedicated OTC eyelid cleanser.
• Take regular screen breaks: At least every 20 minutes.
• Reduce the time spent in A/C or heated environments: if this isn’t possible, add a humidifier to the area to help increase air moisture levels.
• Don’t smoke: Period! And try not to spend too much time in smoky atmospheres.
• Reduce alcohol intake: It’s good for whole body health, not just your eyes.
• Speak to your healthcare provider about any prescription meds: However, if you suspect these might be exacerbating your dry eye symptoms, DO NOT stop taking them without consultation. Your doctor may be able to offer an alternative.

There is currently no definitive cure for dry eye. Instead, long-term care is about managing the symptoms. It’s important to work with your eye doctor if the condition persists or is severe. There could be other underlying causes, such as allergies, that will need exploring. An ophthalmologist can also prescribe stronger medication and explain the difference between OTC eye drops vs. prescription for dry eye treatment.

If you’re in Boca Raton or the surrounding area and suffer from dry eyes, then we’re here to help. Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/dry-eyes-allergies for more information and call our expert team today to book a consultation.