Question
I'm a 61 year old female. I use computer glasses at my desk and have progressives that I mostly use for driving. Up until about 3 weeks ago I could comfortably come home from work and not need any glasses unless I was reading or possibly watch tv from a good distance. My eyes are dry and burn with the typical symptoms of dry eye as confirmed by my optometrist. Almost overnight now when I don't wear glasses at home I have the same burning, etc that I didn't have 3 weeks ago. Is this dry eye I'm experiencing or because I don't wear my glasses all the time? I see perfectly well at home but have the burning. Could this just be from the dry eye. Again, didn't have this problem 3 weeks ago. Can something change overnight or could the dry eye be also affecting not wearing my glasses all the time? The burning is literally driving me emotionally crazy and I just come home and sleep. Please advise
Answer
A burning sensation in the eyes is indeed one of the cardinal signs of dry eye. Having said that, a simple way to find out is if you start wearing your eyeglasses at home and the burning goes away, then you know it is due to the visual blur and discomfort. If on the other hand, the eyeglasses doesn't make a difference, then I suggest you get on artificial tears such as Systane Ultra, or Blink, or Genteal, or Optive, for example. Many post-menopausal women, especially those with arthritis, will find that Restasis can help as well.. We certainly don't want you to become "emotionally crazy". Hope this helps.
Dr. Ken
