Dryness of the eye is felt if the tear film is damaged or there is lack of tears allowing dry spots to form on the surface of the eyes leading to discomfort, burning, stinging, blurred vision and so on.
There are many causes of dry eyes. Most will cause decreased production of tears from the tear gland (leading to low tear volume), poor tear quality (leading to quick evaporation of the tears in windy environments or in the sun).
Anything involving the eye requires a carefully analysis.
Let's not assume dry eyes without ruling out other things, at least to the best of our knowledge.
And if still thinking dry eye, you will still need to see a doctor for diagnosis and management. It will get worse unless the underlying cause is treated or it is actively managed by a healthcare professional.
Yes?
Hope you are not looking at acute angle glaucoma.
Let's quickly make sure this is not the case.
Is this like a severe eye pain that started suddenly?
Yes?
This can be a symptom of acute angle closure glaucoma.
Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma occurs when the exit path of the aqueous humor fluid is blocked suddenly. This quickly cause a severe, and painful rise in the pressure in the eye leading to a sudden, severe eye pain usually in one eye for now.
Are you seeing halos like rainbow around lights?
Yes?
This is a symptom of acute angle closure glaucoma.
What about nausea and / or vomiting with this red eye and severe eye pain?
Go to the Emergency Room.
Here is why:
Possible glaucoma which is very dangerous as time goes by.
Would you like to see the nearest hospital or Continue?
Note: We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Let's make sure you are not looking at Blepharitis.
Are the margins of the eyelids red?
Yes?
This is a symptom of blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids.
Does it feel like there is something in your eye?
Yes? Blepharitis can make it feel like there is a foreign body in the eye.
A dry eye can also make your eyes feel this way.
Is your eye very sensitive to light?
Yes?
This is a symptom of blepharitis. The eyes gets sensitive to light.
Do you experience crusting of the eyelashes on awakening?
Yes?
This can be a symptom of blepharitis.
Symptoms include:
Tearing
Itchiness of the eye
Redness in the eyelid margins
Rusting of the eyelid/eyelashes
Burning sensation
Like something in the eye?
Crusting of the eyelashes on awakening.
We just went through some of the symptoms of blepharitis.
If most of them apply to you, you should seek doctor office visit for full evaluation. If none apply to you, then let's continue and rule out something else.
Are you currently taking antihistamines for cold or allergies?
Or antihistamine sleeping pills?
Yes?
These can cause dryness of the eyes.
What about beta-blockers for heart or high blood pressure?
Or diuretics?
Yes?
Discuss your dry eyes with the doctor. These can also cause dry eyes.
Are you taking Tricyclic anti-depressants?
Or SSRIs for depression?
Yes?
These can cause dry eyes. Discuss this with the doctor.
If the dryness started after you started taking the medication, you should let your doctor know. But do not stop taking the medication.
Are you taking Isotretinoin for acne?
Yes?
These can lead to dryness of the eyes.
OK
We listed below other medications that can cause dry eyes.
Medications include:
Atropine
Birth control pills
Lortab, Ibuprofen
Prilosec, prevacid, nexium, pepcid, tagamet
If the dryness of the eyes started after you began taking these medications, let the doctor know. But do not stop taking the medication unless directed by the doctor.
Well.
This ends a brief discussion of dryness of the eyes.
Let's see what a pharmacist recommend you use to get relief that is available over-the-counter.
Or would you prefer from the discussions so far to see the nearest eye clinic to you?
If you are thinking dry eyes, you must be under the care of a medical professional. Take this seriously. It will get worse.
