DRY EYES
Typically from poor oil gland production in the lids. This leads to crusty eyes in the morning and the need to rub at them. As you rub, it does tend to improve the symptoms, but not completely alleviate them. It’s recommended to use warm compresses and clean the lids with mild soap (baby shampoo) or lid wipes. Artificial tears can provide a more instant relief, but again only temporary. This regimen of warm compresses, cleaning lids, and artificial tears is a great start to treating dry eyes. If no improvement, your eye doctor can do further testing and suggest other treatment modalities.
ALLERGIES
This is an irritation that comes on more seasonally, affecting some more than others. Rubbing your eyes tends to make it much worse. Taking allergy medications can help along with cool compresses and some over-the-counter eye drops. Eye drops include artificial tears or antihistamine drops. If you know what triggers the allergies, it’s best to avoid them if possible.
DEMODEX
Mites can live along your eyelashes. Your doctor can take a look under the microscope to evaluate your eyelids.
It requires treatment with ophthalmic grade tea tree oil, hypochlorous acid (0.01%) spray, or a prescription medication drop to use for 6 weeks.
CONTACT LENSES
Contact lenses are known to cause issues with eye comfort. It can be due to the amount of wear time, the lens material, or solution used. Daily lenses can make a difference as well as changing to a hydrogen peroxide lens cleaner like Clear Care. Occasionally, a short treatment with steroids can alleviate symptoms.
