Dry Eye Treatment

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Dry eye is a condition where the person doesn’t produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes.  

Tears help maintain eye health and keep vision clear. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. When tear production and drainage is out of balance, dry eyes can occur.   

What Causes Dry Eye?  

 Dry eye is most often a result of your eyes’ natural aging process. Most peoples’ eyes tend to become drier as they age, but the degree of dryness varies, and some people have more problems than others. In addition to age, dry eye can result from: 

  • Problems with normal blinking 
  • Certain medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants 
  • Environmental factors like a dry climate and exposure to wind 
  • General health problems like arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome 
  • Chemical or thermal burns to the eye 

 

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?  

Dry eye symptoms are often different in different people, but the following are commonly experienced by those whose tear production is inadequate: 

  • Irritated, scratchy, dry, or uncomfortable eyes 
  • Redness of the eyes 
  • A burning sensation of the eyes 
  • A feeling of a foreign object in the eye 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Excessive watering as the eyes try to comfort an overly dry eye 
  • Eyes that seem to have lost the normal clear glassy luster 

 

How Is Dry Eye Treated? 

If untreated, dry eye can be more than just irritating or uncomfortable. Excessive dry eye can damage eye tissue and possibly scar the cornea, so it is important to seek out treatment from a qualified optometrist. Contact lens wear may be more difficult for those with dry eye due to the possibility of increased irritation and a greater chance of eye infection. 

 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of dry eye, your Lawrenceville Family Eyecare optometrist can perform tests using diagnostic instruments to give a highly magnified view and evaluate the quality, amount, and distribution of tears. While dry eye cannot be cured, your eye’s sensitivity can be improved and treatment prescribed so that your eyes remain healthy and your vision is not affected.  

 

Contact our office today to learn how we can help you treat dry eye syndrome and get well on your way to clear, comfortable vision.