Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts or dry eye syndrome? If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts, you may be questioning if they can lead to dry eyes.
Keep reading to learn if dry eye is a symptom of cataracts!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process that causes the proteins inside of your eye’s natural lens to break down and clump together. When cataracts form, they block light from reaching the photosensitive retina at the back of the eye.
Cataracts can cause a variety of symptoms like glare, halos and can make colors appear more dull. The most common symptom of cataracts is blurry vision.
Although cataracts may only cause mild symptoms at first, eventually, cataract surgery will be necessary to restore your vision.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that affects a different part of the eye: the cornea. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure at the front of your eye.
In order for the cornea to be healthy, it must be properly lubricated by your tears and your tear film. Most people with dry eye syndrome have an issue with tear production.
Dry eyes can cause many symptoms, including eye redness, irritation, itching, and discomfort. In severe cases, dry eyes can even cause blurry vision.
Is There a Connection Between Dry Eye Syndrome and Cataracts?
Dry eye syndrome and cataracts are different eye conditions affecting different parts of the eye. Although there is no clear link between dry eye syndrome and cataracts, the two disorders can coexist in the same person.
Those who have dry eye syndrome occasionally develop signs and symptoms of cataracts, such as foggy or fuzzy vision. In addition, some dry eye syndrome treatments, such as corticosteroids, may make cataracts more likely.
Although these two conditions can coexist, one does not cause the other. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, it is more likely that they are not related to cataracts.
However, it is important to visit your eye doctor to determine the root cause of your symptoms if you are experiencing symptoms of either eye condition.
What Are the Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome and Cataracts?
Since cataracts and dry eye syndrome affect different parts of the eyes, the treatment methods are also different. For dry eyes, your eye doctor at Eye Care Specialists will first find the root cause of your symptoms, which will help them determine the best way to treat them.
If your symptoms are mild, you may only need to increase your use of artificial tears. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend other methods of treatment, like LipiFlow, which can help restore a normal tear film balance and reduce dry eye symptoms.
The best way to treat cataracts is through cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will remove your natural lens where the cataract is and replace it with an artificial lens, known as an IOL.
This artificial lens will restore your vision and allow you to have more freedom to do what you love. Both cataracts and dry eye syndrome can cause debilitating symptoms.
Your eye doctor in Scranton, Pennsylvania, can help develop a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate symptoms of cataracts and dry eye.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts or dry eyes? Schedule an appointment at Eye Care Specialists in Scranton, PA, today!
