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Dry eyes

Dry eyes occur when there is too little tear film, it evaporates too quickly or its quality is poor. Burning, stinging, grittiness, fluctuating blurred vision and, surprisingly, watery eyes are common. Sun, wind, air conditioning, screen use and contact lenses can worsen symptoms in Curaçao. A painful red eye or sudden loss of vision is not ordinary dryness.

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  • Dry eyes result from too little tear production, excessively rapid evaporation or both.
  • Burning, grittiness, fluctuating blurred vision and watery tears often fit; severe pain or lasting loss of vision do not.
  • Screens reduce how often you blink. Wind, bright sun, fans and dry air-conditioning airflow speed up evaporation.
  • Artificial tears, eyelid care and adjustments to your surroundings often help, but the right approach depends on the cause.
  • Contact-lens wearers need same-day assessment for redness, pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision because of the risk of a corneal infection.
  • Do not choose medicated drops at random or use homemade drops; a contaminated or unsuitable product can damage the eye.

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Further reading

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C
Contact lens problemsA red, painful or watery eye associated with contact lenses can range from irritation to a serious corneal infection. Remove your lenses immediately if symptoms develop and do not wear them again until a doctor or optometrist considers it safe. Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer and need prompt assessment. Do not use old drops or old lenses, and keep the lens and case if the doctor wants to examine them.
W
Watery eyesWatery eyes occur when the eye produces extra tears or tears do not drain properly through the tear passages to the nose. Irritation or a dry eye surface is often the cause; sometimes the tear drainage system is blocked. Pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision needs prompt assessment.
R
Red eyeA red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.