Dry Eyes Specialist

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t have healthy lubrication. Healthy tears lubricate your eyes to help them move smoothly, wash away impurities that can cause infections, and nourish them to provide clear vision. 

If you don’t produce enough tears or if the tears you produce are chemically imbalanced, you might develop dry eyes as a result. You might also develop dry eyes because of factors in your environment, like smoke, wind, or certain medications. 

Dry eyes often develop or worsen as you age. Over time, the condition can cause lasting damage to the surfaces of your eyes, resulting in permanently compromised vision. 

What are the signs and symptoms of dry eyes?

Dry eyes come with more symptoms than you might think. You may experience:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• The sensation of a foreign object stuck in your eye
• Visible redness
• Excessive tears or mucus
• Trouble placing your contact lenses
• New or worsening trouble with night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue or tiredness

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, Primary Eyecare Associates evaluates your eye health with a comprehensive eye exam. 

Your optometrist might evaluate your tear production and the effects of your condition on your cornea by placing dye in your eyes. Then, they create a personalized care plan to improve your eye health. 

Effective dry eye treatment can alleviate your discomfort and even improve your vision in some ways. Primary Eyecare Associates may advise you to undergo ongoing treatment for your dry eyes for long-term improvements.

What are the treatment options for dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition, so there are many available treatments for dry eyes. If you have dry eyes and eye strain because of extended computer use, blue light blocking glasses may help. Primary Eyecare Associates may also recommend one or more of the following solutions:

Lifestyle changes

If you’re frequently in environments that exacerbate your condition, such as a windy area, your optometrist might recommend wearing protective eyewear to avoid further irritation.

Medication and eye drops

Certain over-the-counter and prescription eye drops can regulate your tear production, reduce inflammation, and keep your eyes lubricated. Oral medications, like antibiotics, can help control inflammation from dry eyes too. 

Drainage plugs

Your optometrist might recommend removable silicone drainage plugs to keep tears in your eyes. Drainage plugs can partially or fully close your tear ducts to prevent you from losing the tears you produce too quickly. 

In severe cases of dry eyes, there are procedures available for more permanent tear duct closure. 

To learn more about dry eyes and explore your treatment options, call Primary Eyecare Associates, or book an appointment online today.