One consequence of diabetes is dealing with the complications. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so it’s especially appropriate to learn how you can lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in adults.
Dry eye syndrome is a common issue that may be due to your environment, gender, age, or conditions affecting your overall health. Only your ophthalmologist can say for sure.
Our board-certified specialists at KLM Eye MDs offer a full range of eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams that can uncover the cause of your winter dry eye symptoms. They’ll also design a treatment program to help you manage this often-frustrating condition.
In the meantime, there are practical steps you can take to moisturize your eyes and help prevent the symptoms of dry eye any time of year, but especially during the winter season.
The liquid or tear layer of your eyes has many responsibilities, including providing much needed lubrication to the surface of your eyes. Without this protective barrier, you may experience a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity but typically affect both eyes. These symptoms may include:
Even mild dry eye symptoms can make it difficult to read, wear contact lenses, work on a computer, or perform other daily routine activities.
Your symptoms may simply be due to environmental issues such as:
Allergies can also dry your eyes and may worsen in the winter as you spend more time inside. This increases your exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and other indoor allergens.
Sometimes your symptoms are related to:
Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, and other medical concerns can also increase your risk of developing dry eye.
Your KLM ophthalmologist can help determine why your eyes are dry and design a treatment program that relieves your symptoms and helps protect the health of your eyes. This may include supervised medication changes, prescription eyedrops, and/or changes in your wintertime habits.
Try these easy steps to help control your dry eye symptoms. You should:
Talk with us at KLM Eye MDs before reaching for an over-the-counter medication for your dry eye since some are more effective than others and/or may not be designed to target the underlying cause of your condition.
Schedule a visit at KLM Eye MDs today for a comprehensive exam and further expert recommendations for relieving your dry eye symptoms. Call our Brooklyn office or use our convenient online booking tool.
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