Do you ever wake up in the morning with crusty, scaly eyelids? Combined with your bed-head and morning breath, it&rsquo;s not a pretty picture. Fortunately, your optometrist may be able to help you treat that &ldquo;sleep&rdquo; in your eyes. You may have a very common condition called blepharitis.
Other symptoms include flakes and a general redness, puffiness or scaliness along the baseline of your lashes. You may feel like there is sand in your eyes or have a general burning or itchy sensation throughout the day. Blepharitis is also associated with an oily or sticky sensation on your eyes, caused by discharge from the eyelid glands. Left untreated, these glands can become plugged and infected, which can cause recurrent styes or dry eye syndrome &mdash; not to mention crusted scales and debris on your eyelids.
I know what you&rsquo;re thinking: Gross, right? Not to worry &mdash; although blepharitis is a chronic condition with no known cure, there are solutions. There are different kinds of blepharitis and different causes for the condition. It&rsquo;s usually bacterial, but can also be caused by seborrhea (dandruff), rosacea, allergies, toxins or viral infections. Parasitic mites called demodex can also be the cause of this condition and the associated symptoms. Often these little critters need to be treated with tea tree oil washes.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are the trick for getting this condition under control. Just as your dentist recommends that you floss and see the hygienist to prevent gum disease, your optometrist should perform regular maintenance on your eyelids. He or she may ask you to use hot compresses and special lid washes or wipes at home. If your condition is particularly severe, your optometrist may ask you to undergo more extensive blepharitis treatment. BlephEx is an in-office instrument that spins a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, removing debris and exfoliating your eyelids. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes and doesn&rsquo;t hurt a bit. Most patients simply report a tickling sensation. The effects are long lasting, but not permanent, and you will probably see your optometrist for repeat treatment every six months or so in conjunction with the regular lid wash maintenance you can do at home.
If you&rsquo;re suffering from crusty, dry, scratchy, red or irritated eyes, make an appointment with your optometrist to start a treatment plan that&rsquo;s right for you.
Dr Trevor Miranda is an optometrist in the Cowichan Valley. Follow him on Twitter at @DrTrevorMiranda or visit his website at <a href="http://www.myeyecare.ca">www.myeyecare.ca</a>.
From Ageless Living.&nbsp;| <a href="http://agelessliving.ca/?p=2397">agelessliving.ca</a>

Blepharitis: The Low-Down on Scaly, Itchy Eyelids

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), over <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.html#:~:text=An%20estimated%2045%20million%20people%20in%20the%20U.S.%20wear%20contact%20lenses%201.">45 million</a> Americans wear contact lenses, and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32277941/">about 49 million</a> have dry eyes. These numbers are certainly alarming, if not downright dreadful. If you fit into both categories and wonder If you fit into both categories and wonder, can you wear contacts if you have dry eyes?, you've landed at just the right place.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Can You Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eyes? Here's What to Know</h2>
Let's break the ice for you. Dry eyes and contact lenses do not go well together. Wearing contact lenses with dry eye disease can be uncomfortable because your eyes don't make tears to keep contacts lubricated.&nbsp;
So, do people with dry eyes always wear eyeglasses? We are sure this is exactly what you are thinking, and that's where we come in. It is possible to wear contact lenses comfortably if you have dry eyes, but you need to understand the problem first.
<h2>How Does Dry Eye Disease Affect Contact Lenses Comfort?</h2>
Dry Eye Disease significantly impacts the comfort of wearing contact lenses, while wearing contact lenses can be counterproductive to dry eyes. Here&rsquo;s why:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contact lenses require a certain level of moisture to maintain their shape and provide clear vision. What happens if contact lenses dry out? When the eyes are dry, the contact lenses can become dry and lose shape, causing discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, aggravating dry eye symptoms with decreased tear production and increased evaporation of tears.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If your dry eyes have progressed to an advanced stage, it can cause contact lenses to stick to the surface of the eyes, making them difficult to remove. This further exacerbates the discomfort and can be potentially damaging to your eyes.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
So, ​​can you still wear contacts if you have dry eyes, or should you stop wearing contacts with dry eyes?&nbsp;
Only a qualified eye doctor can accurately answer these questions after diagnosing your dry eye symptoms and investigating how effectively you are managing them. But rest assured that with the right care and handling, you can wear contact lenses with dry eyes without discomfort. Let&rsquo;s find out how.
<h2>How to treat dry eyes with contacts?</h2>
Starting Your Dry Eye Treatment is the First Step Towards Wearing Contacts Comfortably.
With more and more patients having their dry eye conditions misdiagnosed by their clinicians, it is crucial that you get a correct diagnosis of your condition and understand whether wearing contact lenses is suitable for you.&nbsp;
Many clinicians are not aware of the real reason behind dry eyes; hence, the diagnosis is often inaccurate. At the Centers for Dry Eye, we have done extensive research on dry eyes and understand the disease and its nuances. Our founder, Dr. James Rynerson, is known globally for his biofilm theory identifying the root cause of dry eyes. We have cured 1000+ patients of dry eyes. We want all our patients to be rid of the discomfort that accompanies dry eyes permanently, and our treatment plans are tailored to do just that.&nbsp;
Once your dry eyes have been treated, you can start wearing contacts comfortably. However, it's important to choose the right type of contact lenses for your eyes and to follow proper hygiene and cleaning procedures to prevent any potential infections or complications in the future.
<h2>What Are Your Responsibilities When Wearing Contacts with Dry Eyes?</h2>
At this stage, you have started the treatment and are experiencing a change in your condition. Your eyes have reduced redness and itchiness, and the discomfort has started waning. Can you start wearing contact lenses now? Yes, but you have to be careful and take precautionary measures in order to avoid aggravating your symptoms. Take the following steps to be safe:
<h3>Select the best drops for dry eyes with contacts:</h3>
Use artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops before wearing contact lenses and occasionally while wearing lenses to help keep your eyes moisturized and to reduce symptoms of dry eyes.&nbsp;
<h3>Choose the right type of contact lenses for dry eyes:</h3>
Select the best contact lenses for dry eyes. Disposable or silicone hydrogel lenses made of soft, flexible material or Rigid-Gas Permeable lenses can help reduce symptoms of dry eyes by retaining moisture and allowing for more oxygen to reach the eyes.
<h3>Select a suitable contact lens solution:</h3>
You can wear contacts if you have chronic dry eyes, but choose a lens solution with hydrating properties and a lack of preservatives. If not, your contacts can dry out fast.
<h3>Limit lens wear time:</h3>
If your dry eye symptoms are severe, limiting the time you wear your contact lenses can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
<h3>Practice good hygiene:</h3>
Cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses properly, as well as following recommended replacement schedules, can help reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications associated with dry eye and contact lens wear.

Can You Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eyes?

Do you feel like your eyes have been stranded in the middle of a desert, with no relief in sight? Are you experiencing dry, itchy, and red eyes? You might be quick to assume that it's due to a lack of sleep or excessive screen time, but have you considered that allergies could be the culprit? Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?
Allergies are a common issue that can cause a range of symptoms, from sneezing and a runny nose to hives and rashes. But did you know that allergies can also lead to dry eyes? &nbsp;In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between allergies and dry eyes, and how you can treat and prevent this uncomfortable and irritating condition.
<h2>How are Allergies and Dry Eyes Interconnected? Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?</h2>
Dry eyes and allergies are correlated as allergies can cause symptoms contributing to dry eye disease. When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen, their body releases histamines as part of the immune response. These histamines can lead to inflammation and swelling in some parts of the body, including the eyes. The eyes can become red, itchy, and swollen, further leading to decreased tear production and increased evaporation of tears.&nbsp; Airborne allergies can interfere with the production and drainage of tears, justifying the argument that allergies can cause dry eyes and blurry vision. An unfortunate consequence of taking some allergy medications, such as antihistamines, has also been linked to causing dry eyes.
<h2>What are Dry Eye Allergy Symptoms?</h2>
Eye allergies are one of the most common causes of dry eyes. Symptoms such as itchy eyes, redness, tearing, and blurred vision are often associated with allergies that eventually lead to dry eyes. Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of factors, including food allergies, pet dander, dust mites, pollen counts, other environmental allergens, and seasonal allergies. Allergic reactions often make the eyes produce more tears initially, but the tears produced during an allergic reaction are often watery and of poor quality, leading to increased evaporation and dryness.&nbsp; In some cases, allergies can also cause inflammation of the eyelids and the glands that produce tears, leading to decreased tears production and ending in dry eyes. This can result in a cycle where dry eye worsens allergy symptoms and vice versa.
<h2>How to treat dry allergy eyes? When is the Right Time to See Your Doctor?</h2>
The first step of &lsquo;how to treat dry allergy eyes&rsquo; is knowing when to visit your doctor. As soon as you start experiencing symptoms of dry eyes and believe they may be related to allergies, it is a good idea to see a doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment. Here are some indicators that you need to see a doctor right away for dry eyes:&nbsp; Persistent dryness: If you have dry eyes that persist for more than a few days or weeks, it is important to see a doctor. Discomfort: If your dry eyes are causing discomfort, such as burning, itching, or pain, it is a sign that you should see a doctor. Difficulty with activities: If your dry eyes are affecting your ability to perform daily activities, such as reading, working on a computer, or driving, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Changes in vision: If you are experiencing changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or light sensitivity, in addition to dry eyes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Lack of response to self-care measures: If over-the-counter eye drops and other self-care measures are not providing relief for your dry eye symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor for a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
can allergies cause eye problems? An allergist or eye doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying causes of your dry eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options. This may include using over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, as well as medications to treat the underlying allergy or the root cause of Dry Eye.

Blepharitis: The Low-Down on Scaly, Itchy Eyelids

Can You Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eyes?

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?

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