What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?

Everyone experiences eye irritation or dryness occasionally, whether it’s due to the weather or long hours of screen time. However, if your eyes are constantly dry, red, and gritty, you may suffer from a condition known as dry eye syndrome.  

At Northeast Eye Care in Oakland, Nebraska, we often see patients who don’t realize their symptoms are related to dry eyes. In this blog, we’ll share some of the most common signs of dry eye and help you understand when it’s time to see a professional for treatment. 

The most common symptoms of dry eye 

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include: 

• Gritty or sandy feeling: It can feel like something is stuck in your eye, even though nothing is there. 
• Burning or stinging: This sensation can happen throughout the day, making it difficult to focus or enjoy daily activities. 
• Red or inflamed eyes: The irritation can cause redness or swelling around your eyes. 
• Blurred vision: Dryness can sometimes interfere with your vision, causing it to blur temporarily. 
• Excessive tearing: Your eyes might try to compensate for the dryness by producing more tears, but they can be watery and ineffective. 
• Eye fatigue or heaviness: After long periods of reading, working, or using digital devices, your eyes might feel tired or strained. 

Ignoring dry eye can lead to more serious issues 

While dry eye may seem like a minor issue, ignoring it can lead to more serious long-term complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the surface of the eye, affecting your vision and overall eye health. In some cases, untreated dry eye can also cause discomfort that interferes with your daily activities, from working and driving to using a computer.  

That’s why it’s crucial to seek help if your symptoms persist or worsen. Early treatment can help prevent long-term damage and provide much-needed relief. 

How we can help at Northeast Eye Care 

At Northeast Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Oakland, Nebraska, to address symptoms and improve eye health. We’ll work with you to determine the root cause of your dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments include: 

• OptiLight IPL therapy: This innovative treatment uses intense pulsed light to reduce inflammation and improve tear production. 
• TempSure Envi: A gentle radiofrequency treatment designed to stimulate the oil glands in your eyelids, improving tear quality and reducing dryness. 
• MiBo Thermoflo: This treatment uses a combination of heat and massage to target the oil glands in your eyelids, restoring proper function and alleviating dryness. 

With these cutting-edge treatments, we’re confident we can help you find relief from your dry eye symptoms and improve your overall eye health. 

When to see an eye doctor for dry eye treatment 

If your dry eye symptoms don’t improve with regular use of eye drops, it’s time to schedule a visit with our team at Northeast Eye Care. Our experts will thoroughly assess your eyes and provide a customized treatment plan designed to bring you lasting relief. 

Schedule an appointment at Northeast Eye Care today and start feeling better soon.