Scratchy red eyes? Get relief today!

Do your eyes feel irritated or like something is in them? Are you experiencing redness, burning, excessive tearing or occasional blurry vision? You may have dry eye, a common condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears. About 40 million people in the U.S. have dry eye disease, but 95 percent haven't been diagnosed or treated. Could you be among them?

What Should You Do? See an Eye Doctor for an Eye Checkup!

Because there are many possible causes of dry eye, an eye doctor will gather your health history to better understand your risk. Some of these causes could be:

• Medications, such as diuretics or antihistamines
• Using contact lenses
• Using two or more glaucoma eye drops
• Recent LASIK surgery
• Thyroid dysfunction and the hormonal changes associated with menopause
• Your work environment, for example, people who use a computer all day long

If your doctor determines that you are at risk for dry eye, based on your symptoms and risk factors, you may undergo state-of-the-art testing to evaluate and understand the underlying reasons for your dry eye. Your eye doctor can then work with you to identify the best treatment plan for your unique needs. Think you might have dry eye? Let us work with you to find the best course of treatment for you. Schedule your eye health appointment today by calling 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763).