Dry Eye FAQs

You likely have a lot of questions about what is causing your dry eyes and why you are having these symptoms. Our eye doctor at SPEX treats a wide variety of eye conditions, including dry eye. We have gathered a few of the questions that we have run into over the years regarding dry eye.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition that develops when the eyes don't have enough tear film or the tear film they have isn't of good quality. The tear film is responsible for keeping the eyes lubricated. Without enough tear film, the eyes become dry and can be painful and irritated. Many people get dry eye during the winter, but it can happen at any time of the year.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Many symptoms can be present for those who have dry eye. These include redness, irritation, having a burning or stinging sensation, having blurry vision, stringy mucus in the eye, feeling as if there is something in the eye, and watery eyes. All or some of these symptoms may be present for those affected by dry eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

There are several causes of dry eye, and some people never discover their reason for having it. It is most common in the winter because the air is dry and causes the tear film to evaporate faster. It can happen because of hormonal changes or medications that cause the tear film to be of lower quality. It can also be caused by staring at computer screens for long hours, as that causes people to blink less often.

Contact Our Optometrist for Dry Eye Treatment in Seattle

The symptoms of dry eye can vary in severity from a mild annoyance to downright debilitating. Get the quality eye care you need to alleviate your dry eyes. If you live in or around Seattle and have dry eyes, call our team at SPEX today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Campbell.