Can Dry Eye Go Away by Itself?

Dry eyes can cause itchiness and irritation. The severity of symptoms varies in individuals, but most people experience discomfort that can affect their quality of life. Eye drops can help to treat the symptoms, but in most cases, there is no cure.
 

Doctors may recommend various treatments to relieve the symptoms. Dry eye disease is a condition that occurs when the eyes fail to produce or maintain adequate tears. Find out if dry eyes can go away by itself.

 

What Causes Dry Eyes

Tears are essential to maintain a healthy eye surface. They help to keep the surface clean, nourished, and lubricated. When the eyes fail to produce enough tears, or the tears produced evaporate too fast, it causes dryness.
 

Over time, eye dryness can lead to inflammation and eye surface damage. Age, hormone changes, health conditions, certain medications, and environmental factors can cause dry eyes. Dry or windy climates, contact lens wear, and prolonged computer use can contribute to eye dryness.

 

Is Dry Eye Permanent?

If dry eye symptoms are due to environmental factors, such as computer use and dry climate, the symptoms are usually temporary. Changing your environment can help to relieve the symptoms. If dryness is due to medication, the symptoms may stop when you change the medication. However, dry eyes can be a chronic condition.
 

Symptoms reduce with treatment but do not go away completely. It occurs when the eyes fail to produce or maintain adequate tears. It is often due to other health conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s disease.

 

Can Dry Eye Go Away by Itself?

Removing the irritant can cause dry eye symptoms to go away on their own. For some patients, the symptoms stop when seasons change. Lifestyle adjustments can help to keep away dry eye symptoms. Things you can do to prevent eye dryness include:

·         Drinking plenty of water daily

·         Blinking frequently when reading or working on the computer.

·         Positioning your digital device correctly to reduce eye strain

·         Using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air

·         Eating a nutritious diet to keep your eyes healthy and well-lubricated

Treating Chronic Dry Eyes

If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, you must get treatment. If the dryness is due to an underlying health condition, treating the condition can relieve dry eyes. Eye doctors recommend treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. There are ways to manage chronic dry eyes effectively, but there is no cure for the condition. Treatment options include OTC and prescription medications, punctal plugs, light therapy, eyelid massage, and surgery.

 

Dry Eyes Complications

If you have mild symptoms, treatment can help to relieve dry eyes. You may need to use artificial tears frequently throughout the day. Failing to get treatment for dry eyes can lead to complications, such as corneal ulcers. A healthy cornea is vital for ensuring good vision. A scar from an untreated corneal ulcer can spread, causing partial or complete vision loss.
 

Dry eyes can be chronic or temporary, depending on the cause. If lifestyle changes fail to relieve your symptoms, consult an eye care professional.
 

For more on whether dry eyes can go away by itself, visit Ridgeview Eye Care. Our offices are in Olathe and Lenexa, Kansas. Call (913) 270-8598 to book an appointment today.