Dry eye can feel different from person to person. Common symptoms include burning, grittiness, redness, watery eyes, light sensitivity, fluctuating vision, and the sensation that something is stuck in the eye. For some people, these symptoms are occasional. For others, they can become persistent enough to affect reading, computer work, driving, and other everyday activities.
For those experiencing dry eye in Boston and Wellesley, MA, identifying the cause is an important part of finding the right treatment. At Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates, Ernest W. Kornmehl, M.D., F.A.C.S., brings extensive expertise in dry eye and corneal disease. An internationally recognized Ophthalmologist and Laser Eye Surgeon, Dr. Kornmehl completed a fellowship in Corneal Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School and currently serves as a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School.
What Are the Most Common Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eye does not always feel like simple “dryness.” Changes in the tear film can produce several different sensations and visual symptoms, including:
- Burning or stinging
- A scratchy, gritty, or sandy feeling
- Eye redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Mucus around the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Eye Pain
Symptoms may become more noticeable after extended computer use, reading, driving, or spending time in dry or windy environments.
Why Can Dry Eye Make Your Eyes Water?
Surprisingly, watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. When the ocular surface becomes irritated, the eyes may respond by producing reflex tears. These tears can temporarily flood the eyes but may not have the balanced composition necessary to maintain a healthy, stable tear film.
This is one reason persistent watering should not automatically be dismissed as allergies or excessive tear production.
Why Does Vision Sometimes Become Blurry?
The tear film creates a smooth optical surface across the cornea. When that film becomes unstable, vision may fluctuate between blinks. Someone may notice that words on a screen temporarily blur or that vision becomes less consistent as the day progresses.
Blinking may briefly improve clarity because it redistributes tears across the corneal surface. Repeated fluctuations can be an important clue when evaluating dry eye.
When Should You Have Dry Eye Symptoms Evaluated?
Occasional irritation may occur due to environmental conditions, but recurring symptoms deserve attention. Dry eye has multiple potential causes, and determining whether tear production, tear evaporation, inflammation, eyelid function, or another factor is involved can guide appropriate care.
Dr. Kornmehl’s extensive background in corneal disease allows Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates to provide detailed evaluations and individualized treatment recommendations. If dry, watery, irritated, or fluctuating eyes are affecting daily life, contact Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates for an evaluation in Wellesley, serving the greater Boston area. Call (877) 870-2010 to schedule an appointment.