Dry Eye Archives

How to Select from Different Types of Artificial Tears

Written By Courtney Dryer

Take a trip to the pharmacy for artificial tears—or a click to our dry eye relief page—and you’ll find many different types. If you’re armed with a doctor’s recommendation, or knowledge of the products, you’re likely to pick the cheapest one or the generic store brand.

But not all artificial tears are created equal…

What ocular conditions can artificial tears treat?
What should you look for when purchasing an artificial tear?
Which type of artificial tear is best?

Let’s look at the types of artificial tears and some recommendations which should help you make the right choice.

Diabetes and Dry Eyes: What is the Connection?

Written By Michael Healy

Diabetes is one of the most serious contributors to vision issues. In fact, medical experts believe nearly everyone with diabetes will experience some form of diabetes-related vision issue. While diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic-related eye-health condition, an increasing number of people with diabetes are experiencing serious vision issues as a result of a condition known as dry eye syndrome. It turns out there’s a strong connection between diabetes and dry eyes.

Although dry eye syndrome is not considered a significant health issue, when left untreated in people with diabetes, it has been shown to contribute to permanent vision damage and even blindness.

Blepharitis Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

Written By Courtney Dryer

Do your eyelids ever look red, feel sticky, or sore? Do you have a constant itch in the corner of the eye that you just can’t scratch? Maybe it feels even worse when you wake up in the morning. You may be one of the estimated 25 million Americans who suffer from blepharitis. Here’s what to know about blepharitis symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Gritty Eyes: What Are the Top Causes and Treatment Options?

Written By Courtney Dryer

Do you ever feel like you have gritty eyes? Or, do they feel sandy? Do they burn? Does it feel like a foreign body or an eyelash is in them at the end of the day? These symptoms are often due to dry eye disease.

It is estimated that dry eye affects nearly 1 in 5 Americans.

Does Lack of Sleep Affect Vision?

Written By Michael Healy

You live a busy life. With the responsibilities associated with your job, family, and well, everything, you may not get enough sleep.

More than one in three Americans don’t get enough sleep—defined as seven or more hours each—on a regular basis, according to the CDC. It’s been well established a lack of sleep can increase the risk of a number of serious health issues including high blood pressure, obesity, and depression, but does it contribute to serious or long-term problems for the health of your eyes?

Lack of sleep can leave you looking worn-down and with dark circles or heavy bags under your eyes. While this isn’t an ideal look, it’s usually nothing that a good night’s sleep can’t fix. However, as doctors learn more about our vision it has become abundantly clear that a chronic lack of sleep can have significant, and in some cases lasting, effects on your vision and the overall health of your eyes.