Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears are not of the proper composition to keep the eyes healthy and lubricated. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and a burning sensation in the eyes.
DES is a chronic condition that can worsen over time. If you are neglecting to get treatment, here are some negative consequences you may experience.
1. Headaches
When your eyes are dry, they cannot properly lubricate and protect themselves. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even pain. And when your eyes are in pain, it's only natural that your head will also start to hurt.
A few different types of headaches have been linked to dry eye syndrome. One of the most common is tension headaches. These can be caused by the strain you put on your eyes when they are dry and irritated.
Cluster headaches are another type of headache triggered by dry eye syndrome. These are usually more severe and can accompany other symptoms like watering eyes and a runny nose.
2. Difficulty Reading
If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, you may have difficulty reading. This is because the syndrome can cause the eyes to become irritated and inflamed. When this happens, the eyes may not be able to produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. This can lead to difficulty focusing and may make reading difficult for long periods.
3. Difficulty in Keeping the Eyes Open
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears are not of the right quality. This can lead to some symptoms, including difficulty keeping the eyes open.
While this may not seem like a big deal, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Working, reading, or watching television can make it difficult. In severe cases, it can even lead to depression.
4. Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is a severe complication that can occur as a result of untreated dry eye syndrome. Corneal ulcers are painful and can cause serious vision problems. If left untreated, they can even lead to blindness. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for dry eye syndrome as soon as possible to avoid this complication.
5. Keratitis
One of the potential complications of dry eye syndrome is keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea.
Keratitis can be very serious, and it is often caused by bacteria that enter the eye when the tears are not adequate to keep the eye moist. This can happen when the tear ducts are blocked, or eyelids do not close properly. Keratitis can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or other irritants.
Symptoms of keratitis include redness, pain, watering of the eyes, and a feeling of something in the eye. The cornea may also become cloudy. If keratitis is not treated, it can lead to cornea scarring, resulting in blindness.
Final Thoughts
While there is no cure for dry eye syndrome, there are treatments that can help relieve your symptoms and improve your tear production. These treatments include artificial tears, eye drops, ointments, and gels. Sometimes, your doctor may also recommend a special diet or supplements to help treat your dry eye syndrome.
If you want to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes, check out Dry Eye Mask today. As specialty eye care providers, we provide treatment solutions for dry eyes. Place an order today to feel its benefits!
