WHAT IS DRY EYE DISEASE?
When your eyes continuously lack enough lubrication or moisture on the surface of your eye, it is called dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye disease is a condition that causes inflammation of your eye and the glands that produce tears that protect your eyes. The inflammation or swelling, reduces the amount of tears your eye can produce.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DRY EYE DISEASE?
You may not know. Many people do not experience symptoms typically associated with dry eye syndrome. For some patients, symptoms like watery eyes may seem contrary, yet can still be a symptom of dry eye. Here are some other common symptoms:
- Watery eyes
- Burning
- Itching
- Eyes feel gritty
- Constantly changing vision
- Feel the need to use artificial tears
There can be a number of reasons why you may have dry eyes. While there are many solutions that can help you, it is important to first understand what is causing your dry eyes. This video provides an overview of how your doctor can evaluate the quantity and quality of your tears.
Schedule a Dry Eye Exam
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYES?
Like many medical conditions, the causes of dry eye syndrome can vary by person, but some are also environmental factors. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of dry eye:
- Aging
- Smoking
- Prolonged computer use
- Allergies
- Contact lens wear
- Weather (dry, windy, dusty conditions)
- Medications (prescription and OTC)
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Tear producing gland inflammation
- Some types of refractive eye surgery
HOW IS DRY EYE SYNDROME TREATED?
Doctor Lyons at Focal Pointe Eye Care has a lot of experience helping patients with dry eye syndrome. It happens to be one of the most common reasons patients schedule an eye exam.
The good news is there are more options available today for treating dry eye than ever before. After evaluating your condition and the causes of your dry eye, your eye doctor will discuss a range of available treatment options.
DRY EYE TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Environmental modifications - these can include drinking more water, reducing time in the sun and wind, reduced computer time, etc.
- Lubricating tears and ointments - usually referred to as eye drops
- Tear duct plugs (Punctal plugs), temporary or permanent -
- Supplements - Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Prescription medication
- TearCare- an office based treatment that gently restores meibomian gland function
- Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
If you are tired of burning, itchy, gritty feeling eyes and have found that over-the-counter eye drops no longer help, maybe it's time to schedule a dry eye exam. The optometrists at Focal Pointe Eye Care have the most comprehensive treatment options available. Give us a call to learn more or schedule your dry eye exam today. 513-779-3937