Is It Dry Eye, or Something Else?

Scientists estimate that approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population of people over the age of 40 suffers from the condition called “dry eye”. It’s a common condition with an irritating set of symptoms. Unfortunately, these common symptoms can also be an indicator of other eye problems. If you have any of the following symptoms, please come to see our team of Lappen Eye Care optometrists in Pittsburgh, South Hills, Greensburg, or McMurray, PA to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to improve your eye health and comfort.

Stinging, Scratchy, or Burning Eyes

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or there is an imbalance in the consistency and composition of your tears. This can cause irritation that feels like stinging, scratchiness, or burning—like there’s something gritty in your eyes, and you just can’t clear it. These sensations can also stem from other eye conditions, including:

Allergies
Eye strain
Environmental irritants
Infections
Styes
Corneal ulcers from improper contact lens use

Light Sensitivity

Also called “photophobia”, your eyes may struggle to adjust to bright lights, and you often find yourself blinking, squinting, shielding your eyes, or even avoiding sunny or brightly lit conditions. This is a symptom of dry eye, but it can also be a symptom of a wide range of other eye conditions, including:

Astigmatism
Corneal abrasions
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Optic neuritis
Retinitis pigmentosa
And many others

Blurry Vision

When what you see is blurred and out of focus, it could be dry eye, but it could also be several other serious eye conditions that require medical eye care, including:

Eye strain
Eye infection
Diabetic retinopathy
Early symptoms of a stroke
Migraines
Psoriasis
Many others

See the Eye Doctors Pittsburgh Neighbors Rely On for Healthy Eyes

The fact is, eye discomfort, irritation, and vision disturbances can have many different causes, so it’s crucial to see your optometrist for a clear diagnosis and prompt treatment that can save your vision, make your eyes more comfortable, or even catch other health problems before they worsen. Schedule an appointment at the Lappen Eye Care location closest to you in Pittsburgh, South Hills, Greensburg, or McMurray, PA today.