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    Oct 13
    Blog: Dry Eyes: When to Worry

    Time spent staring at computer screens, televisions, and cell phone screens have increased quite a bit during this pandemic. In summer, you may have been in air-conditioned rooms or had a fan blowing at you on your desk. Age, allergies, certain medications, prolonged close work in poor lighting, such as reading or sewing, are among the many reasons you may experience decreased tear production, which causes dry eyes. 

    Dry eyes are a common condition. While it is usually treatable over-the-counter and by limiting eye-straining activities, dry eyes can lead to more serious complications if prolonged. Dry eye symptoms include: dry eye

    • A burning, itchy, or stinging sensation in your eyes,
    • Eye redness,
    • Sensitivity to light,
    • A sensation of something being in your eye,
    • Blurred vision, 
    • Eye fatigue, and
    • Difficulty wearing contact lenses or driving at night.

    “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it’s important to call your doctor,” says optometrist Enrique Yepes-Hoyos, OD, a member of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Eye Care. “There may be a simple lifestyle change or other treatment that will help, but your doctor can best determine the level of severity of your symptoms and whether it is time to consult a specialist. Dry eyes can lead to complications such as eye infections, eye surface damage, and difficulty performing everyday activities, such as playing video games or working at a computer. These are definitely not symptoms to put off for long.”

    Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Eye Care provides comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmic and optometric services, including routine eye exams. As with Saratoga Hospital and all practices within the Medical Group, your health and safety come first. For information about our COVID-19 precautions and Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Eye Care, please visit SaratogaHospital.org.