Dry eyes are experienced by nearly everyone at some point in their lives, even if it’s just staring at a computer screen for too long. When it’s such a common condition, it can be easy to dismiss its long-term effects. However, for those who experience it as a chronic or severe problem, it’s not as simple as blinking a few extra times or picking up a bottle of drops at the store. We’ll look at when the circumstances are so severe that they can result in far-reaching consequences.

The General Rule About Dry Eyes

In general, dry eyes are not considered a serious problem. If your tear production decreases, this might be due to anything from age to certain medications to a blocked meibomian gland. Products like artificial tears can help provide temporary relief until the body can course-correct on its own. An eye doctor in Coldwater, MS might start to become concerned if your dry eyes are either connected to a more serious disease or if the lack of tears is starting to result in either infections or damage to the surface of the eyes.

Long-Term Vision Loss

Dry eyes in Coldwater, MS cause a lack of moisture in the eye. When tears are the key to protecting your eyes from scratches, infections, and corneal ulcers, the absence of them can lead to disease and even vision loss. Protecting your eyes starts with seeing an optometrist who can identify the root cause of the problem, so they can implement a solution that you’re both comfortable with. Whether your dry eyes stem from rheumatoid arthritis or an allergy, it’s worth stepping up to take care of the problem sooner rather than later.

Optometrists in Coldwater

If you’re looking for an optometrist who can help you treat dry eyes, Coldwater Vision Center is here to help. Our staff has seen how this condition can affect our patient’s lives, but more than that, we’ve seen how cases can progress over time. If you’re concerned about dry eyes when your contacts are in, while you’re watching TV, or while you’re at work, it may be worth finding a solution for it rather than living with it until it becomes a bigger problem.