5 untrue “facts” about chronic dry eye

Chronic dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people, and if left untreated, it can significantly reduce one’s quality of life and affect one’s ability to see clearly.

With symptoms like pain, redness, and discharge from one or both eyes, among others, the key to managing chronic dry eye is finding a treatment that works for you.

However, you can only do this after dispelling the common myths associated with the condition.

“Everyone has dry eyes”

Dry eye is a condition where a person’s eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, affecting the moisture and health of the eyes.

Although people do experience dry eye occasionally, chronic dry eye can be difficult to manage and requires long-term treatment, including medication and lifestyle changes, as it affects people over a long period of time.

“Exposure to dry air causes chronic dry eye”

While dry eye is a common condition resulting from low humidity in climates, there is a combination of factors that contribute to this condition.

The use of certain medications, long-term contact lens wear, and the presence of certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, and diabetes may contribute to the overall risk of chronic dry eye.

“Wet eyes cannot dry”

Watery eyes are a common symptom of chronic dry eye, causing itching, burning and discomfort in the eyes.

The body produces extra tears to re-moisten the eyes, but this excess can overwhelm the body’s ability to drain tears, causing them to swell.

“Chronic dry eye is just a symptom of another problem”

Chronic dry eye is a medical problem, not a symptom of a bigger problem.

It is important to treat the condition to prevent complications and maintain eye health, and the first step in identifying the cause is to consult with a doctor and develop an effective chronic dry eye treatment plan.

“Any type of eye drop helps with chronic dry eye”

Doctors often prescribe eye drops to manage chronic dry eye symptoms such as itching or burning.

However, not all eye drops are the same, as some artificial tear solutions and eye drops may contain additives that can make symptoms worse. Before using eye drops, consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for your condition.