Dry Eye Archives

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.

10 Helpful Tips for Dry Eye Symptoms

Written By Courtney Dryer

Approximately 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye, and millions more have symptoms but remain undiagnosed. Dry eye can result from inadequate tear production or poor tear quality. Symptoms include:

Watery eyes
Light sensitivity
Burning /gritty eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision

Those over 65 and female are most likely to have symptoms. However, children are commonly diagnosed due to their significant digital device use. Once you have been diagnosed, it is important to understand that dry eye is a chronic condition that will always require treatment.

Your doctor will prescribe dry eye treatment tailored to your eyes, however, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate or improve your symptoms.

Red Eyes: The Top 10 Most Common Causes

Written By Courtney Dryer

The question, “Doc, why are my eyes always red?” is commonly asked of me by patients. Red eyes are screaming for attention and rarely improve on their own without proper treatment.

There are several reasons your eyes can be red, many of which can be serious and should be assessed and treated by an eye doctor. Though over-the-counter eye drops exist to “get the red out,” they are only a quick fix and only mask the true eye problem.

Your doctor may ask you questions about your red eyes at your visit.

How long have you had red eyes?
Which symptoms are you experiencing? Severity? Pain?
How many hours do you spend on the computer?
Do you take any medications?
Do your eyes appear red all day or do they seem worse in the morning/evening?
What type of contacts do you wear and how long do you wear them?
Have you tried any medications or drops for treatment?

Swollen Eyelids: Top 9 Causes & Treatment Options To Try

Written By Louise Wood

Tired of waking up with puffy or swollen eyelids? Often, the terms “puffy eyelid” and “swollen eyelid” are used interchangeably, but they are different.

While puffy eyelids may be a cosmetic nuisance, they are usually harmless and often the result of fluid retention overnight. Swollen eyelids are caused by an inflammatory response to an allergen, infection, or injury.

There are a number of common causes for swollen eyelids—some more serious than others.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Written By Louise Wood

Are your eyes streaming with tears when you aren’t even crying? Or maybe they just constantly feel wet. Having constantly watery eyes can be uncomfortable.

Your eyes are designed to naturally produce tears to soothe and protect them. When you are around dust or smoke your eyes will temporarily produce additional tears as a defense mechanism to keep irritants out.

But what happens when your eyes produce excess tears for no obvious reason? Here are some possible causes for your watery eyes and tips for managing your symptoms.

Does Lack of Sleep Affect Vision?

10 Helpful Tips for Dry Eye Symptoms

Red Eyes: The Top 10 Most Common Causes

Swollen Eyelids: Top 9 Causes & Treatment Options To Try

What Causes Watery Eyes?

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