Recovering From Cataract Surgery During the Holidays: Our Top 6 Tips
You’re having cataract surgery. You can’t wait to see clearly again. However, your procedure intersects with the winter holidays. Check out these tips for a safe recovery.
The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression
Do dry eyes take the enjoyment out of your day? Perhaps you love to read, sew, paint, or enjoy another hobby that involves close use of your eyes. Your dry eye syndrome may cause you to put down the book or the paint brushes because your eyes hurt or you can’t see clearly.
During your dry eye appointment, our caring ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, examine your eyes and review your medical history and medications. Your physician examines all factors that could be contributing to your dry eye syndrome and develops a treatment plan to help improve your quality of life.
What happens to my eyes when I have dry eye syndrome?
Your eyes need moisture to operate normally. Your body makes tears every time you blink — not only when you cry. Tears keep your eyes moist and protect them from dirt and bacteria that could cause infections.
Many conditions can cause dry eyes, ranging from normal aging to some autoimmune diseases to vitamin A deficiency. Typical symptoms include when your body isn’t producing enough tears for your eyes, and they don’t have the moisture needed.
In addition to a dry or scratchy feeling, you may feel a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes. You might feel sharp pain, pressure, or feel like dirt is in your eye. Your eyes may look red. Another common symptom is blurry vision.
What is the link between dry eyes and depression?
In recent years, researchers have noted a possible link between dry eyes and depression. It’s a chicken and the egg question: which comes first? Scientists think a connection between the two could go both ways. Dry eyes may be a cause of depression, but depression may also possibly be one of the causes of dry eyes.
It’s not hard to imagine that dry eyes can affect your mental health. The condition affects your everyday life. You may be unable to continue a favorite hobby or activity you’ve always loved because of your dry eyes. It’s a disappointment if that’s the case.
You may be unable to continue wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses when you don't want to, or you may have had to give up driving at night even though you’re not a senior. In addition, as with any physical ailment, your overall mood may plummet when your eyes feel uncomfortable.
On the other hand, depression could help contribute to dry eyes or make it worse. If you’re depressed, you may become sedentary and watch screens for hours during the day. Researchers have found that looking at screens too much may cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
Help for dry eyes
We have a variety of solutions for dry eyes. There’s no need to suffer with today’s modern medicine available. We develop a treatment plan and adjust it according to your needs.
Contact Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, today to help return your eyes to health. You can call us or book an appointment through our online portal.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
November is National Diabetes Month, a public effort to bring awareness to what could be called a diabetes epidemic. Diabetes affects your entire body; it can even affect your eyesight. Learn how.
Is Dry Macular Degeneration Treatable?
Have you been diagnosed with dry macular degeneration? You want to learn more about this eye disease that progresses in stages. Will I experience vision loss? Is there an effective treatment?
Help! I'm Suddenly Seeing Floaters at Night
Have you suddenly seen flashes of light or dark spots in your vision? What do they mean? Learn when eye floaters and flashes require the attention of an eye specialist.
My Computer Hurts My Eyes. What Can I Do?
If your eyes ache, you likely have eye strain. While some home remedies may help, you should see a specialist to ensure your eye health. You might need new glasses prescription or other medical assistance.
Telltale Signs You Need a New Eyeglass Prescription
If you can’t remember when you had your last eye exam, you’re probably overdue for one. Sometimes it’s easy to recognize that you need a new prescription, but your eyes often change, so you don’t notice the changes.