DRY EYE THERAPY
Refresh Your Eyes with Dry Eye Therapy
If you suffer from dry, painful, gritty, irritated eyes, you may have chronic dry eyes. Although it may seem like nothing more than an uncomfortable annoyance, dry eyes can lead to harmful complications if left untreated, such as corneal damage.
We provide comprehensive dry eye testing and personalized solutions to get you back to enjoying clear, comfortable vision. Contact us today to book your appointment.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eye symptoms go much deeper than just dry, irritated, and burning eyes. Some patients actually experience periods of excessive tears or stringy discharge. Eyes can sometimes become red and sensitive to light. It’s not uncommon for patients to report the sensation of having something stuck in their eye.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Simply put, dry eyes are the result of inadequate eye hydration. This can happen either because your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears lack an essential ingredient to work properly.
Your tears are essential for protecting, lubricating, and nourishing your eyes. When they’re lacking, you can develop sore, tired, dry eyes. This can happen due to several reasons.
Smoky, dry, arid environments can cause the tear film to evaporate too quickly. Additionally, dry, heated air and air-conditioned rooms can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Some medications have ocular side effects that contribute to dry eye symptoms. These can include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, diuretics, blood pressure medications, and more.
Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma may cause dry eyes.
Other systemic conditions, like diabetes, a vitamin A deficiency, or thyroid conditions, are also associated with dry eyes.
Inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and blepharitis can cause dry eyes by affecting the lipid layer of the tear film.
We tend to blink less when working on a computer, making our eyes dry out. This dryness can lead to digital eye strain, which comprises several uncomfortable symptoms associated with using digital screens.
Dry eyes are a common side effect of various laser eye surgery procedures. This side effect is usually temporary.
Hormone fluctuations associated with menopause, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapies, and birth control can all lead to dry eyes.
Many people experience dry eyes when wearing contact lenses. The good news is that there are so many types of contact lenses, you’re likely to find something that will work for you. If you’re considering contact lenses, please give us a call to book a contact lens exam and fitting.