Common Eye Conditions in Colorado
Oct 26, 2021
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Dry eye is a common condition when your eyes do not produce enough self-lubrication. It can occur if you are not producing enough tears, or if you are producing tears but they are of poor quality. Dry eyes can cause burning, stinging, foreign body sensation, cloudy vision, redness, and even more tearing!
Blepharitis is a condition in which your eyelids become inflamed. The oil glands at the base of your eyelashes become blocked, irritated, inflamed, and sometimes red. Oil is a very important component of your tear film, so blepharitis can worsen dry eye, leading to further irritation and discomfort of the eyes.
In places like Colorado, where the climate is quite arid, people are more prone to dry eye and blepharitis. Air conditions, such as poor air quality due to smoke, can make these eye conditions worse.
To treat dry eye or blepharitis, it is important to first be diagnosed by your eye physician to rule out other causes of eye discomfort, blurred vision, or red eye. With the advice of your doctor, you may try over-the-counter artificial tears, prescription drops, eyelid scrubs, warm compresses on your eyelids, and omega-3 fatty acid vitamins to improve symptoms.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Sarah Dech, MD of Front Range Eye Physicians PC, in Longmont. She may be reached at 303-772-3611 or by email at, manager@frepeye.com
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