Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that affects up to 34% of the population. It can be painful and irritating to endure, but with the proper treatment, all individuals can learn to live with this condition. However, it is important to seek treatment from an optometrist in Calgary NE if you feel you have any of the symptoms (described below) as it can lead to scarring and tissue damage if left untreated.
Symptom of DES According to an Optometrist in Calgary NE
The following symptoms can indicate you have dry eye syndrome:
- Dryness or stinging in the eyes
- Burning
- Red eyelids
- Itchiness, soreness
While there isn’t a particularly long list of symptoms, there are many reasons that these symptoms can appear or worsen. These include: laser eye surgery, physical damage to the eye, wearing contacts, grit or dust caught in the eye, chemical burns, and more.
However, just because you experience these symptoms it does not necessarily mean you suffer from dry eye syndrome, says an optometrist in Calgary. Throughout a typical day, there are times where we will all experience minor symptoms, for instance, if we are spending too much time looking at a screen or have not received a sufficient amount of sleep. In these mild cases, it may be worthwhile to purchase some eye drops from your local pharmacy and see if the symptoms go away after a day or so.
Proper Treatment of DES According to an Optometrist in Calgary NE
Optometrists in Calgary NE recommend noting the regularity of your symptoms. As discussed above, there may not be an issue if the symptoms are irregular or easily dealt with. However, if they worsen very rapidly consult an optometrist as soon as possible. Although, as long as you are paying attention to your eye health, and engaging in annual check-ups, it is worth bringing up to your optometrist during your next scheduled check-up.