Do You Suffer From Dry Eye?
Do you have teary or watery eyes?
Experiencing sensations of burning, itchiness, or a gritty feeling around your eyelids? Finding yourself frequently rubbing your eyes in the morning or after using the computer?
These symptoms could indicate dry eye syndrome. Reach out to us for effective and long-lasting treatment options.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? (DES)
Our eyes rely on tears to nourish, protect, and lubricate them. Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when there is an inadequate amount or poor quality of tears, leading to a parched sensation in the eyes. This condition manifests through various unpleasant symptoms, such as redness, itchiness, and soreness.
Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from this chronic syndrome without realizing that it can cause permanent damage to their eyes. Since dry eye syndrome is progressive, it is crucial to seek treatment before the symptoms worsen and potentially harm the cornea. Without proper treatment or medication, DES tends to deteriorate over time.
While eyeglasses and standard contact lenses can correct vision, they do not address the underlying cause of myopia or slow its progression. This is where myopia management plays a vital role.
If you have concerns about your child’s long-term eye health and vision, don’t hesitate to contact Child & Family Eye Care today. We are here to assist you in safeguarding their eyes and ensuring optimal vision.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
While approximately eighty percent (80%) of dry eye cases are attributed to blocked oil glands in the eyelids, known as meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye, there are several other factors that can contribute to this syndrome. These factors include:
Gender – Dry eye is more prevalent among women, often associated with hormonal changes related to contraceptive use, pregnancy, or menopause.
Age – There is a higher incidence of dry eye among individuals over the age of 50.
Environment – Dry wind, arid climates, and dry air can accelerate tear evaporation. Heating systems, air conditioners, fans, and hair dryers also contribute to tear evaporation.
Medications – Certain medications such as antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others, can be associated with dry eye.
How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you?
- Gritty, itchy, or stinging sensations in your eyes
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eyes that feel tired or dry
- Heightened sensitivity to light
- Frequent use of eye drops
- Discomfort that worsens as the day goes on
Dry eye syndrome not only reduces your quality of life but also hinders daily activities such as reading, engaging in sports, or driving.
Suspect you might have dry eye syndrome? Take a step towards understanding the cause of your eye discomfort by reaching out to us today.
Lasting & Effective Dry Eye Treatment
Our approach to dry eye treatment resembles therapy rather than a quick medication fix. We believe in creating personalized solutions for each patient, tailored to their specific needs. Before administering any treatment, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the condition to provide the most suitable and effective treatment.
Given the range of treatments available for relieving dry eye symptoms, a comprehensive dry eye examination is vital to determine the appropriate course of action. For instance, prescription drops such as Restasis or Xiidra may be recommended to alleviate inflammatory tear deficiency, while milder cases of dry eye can benefit from non-prescription treatments like heat masks, lid scrubs, gland debridement, artificial tears, or punctual plugs, among other options. The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s unique circumstances and requirements.
Learn More about Dry Eye Syndrome | FAQ
Although many eye doctors offer dry eye services, the task of finding a dedicated dry eye professional can be challenging. However, we invite you to reach out to us for a phone consultation.
We are delighted to provide you with detailed information about our comprehensive dry eye program and share the remarkable results we have achieved with other patients. Through our program, significant and lasting improvements can be experienced within a relatively short timeframe. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in alleviating your dry eye symptoms and effectively managing your overall eye health.
Experiencing excessively watery eyes can be a potential indication of dry eye disease, which may seem contradictory. However, it is a common symptom associated with dry eye. When the eyes are dry, they can trigger an overproduction of tears as a compensatory response to counterbalance the rapid evaporation of tears caused by issues with the eyelid glands. Additionally, watery eyes can also occur when the tear ducts are partially or fully blocked.
It’s important to note that standard school screenings and some regular eye exams primarily focus on evaluating visual acuity (sight) and often overlook the essential vision skills required for activities such as sports, extensive computer use, reading, and learning. Additionally, it is possible to have poor visual skills even without needing glasses. Therefore, a comprehensive functional vision exam is necessary to accurately assess a child’s visual skills. If poor visual skills are identified, a personalized vision therapy program will be implemented to assist the patient in achieving their potential and success.
Although there is no cure for this condition, there are several effective treatment options available that can provide long-term relief. Topical steroids, punctal plugs, and other methods have been successful in reducing symptoms and minimizing the need for frequent use of eye drops. To learn more about these treatment options, please visit our Dry Eye Treatment Page.
Maintaining proper lubrication is crucial for healthy eyes. When the ocular surface becomes dry, it can lead to eye abrasions and erosions, and in severe cases, even result in eye ulcers and decreased vision. While many individuals find temporary relief from dry eye discomfort by using lubricants, drops, and ointments, these solutions only provide short-term relief without addressing the underlying issue. For effective and long-lasting dry eye treatment, please contact us today. We are here to help you find a solution that addresses the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
Learn More About Dry Eye
Finding Relief for Dry Eye
What Causes Dry Eye?
The Woodlands Dry Eye Treatments
Everything You Need to Know About Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Our Recent Posts
Glaucoma Surgery Co-Management
Cataract Surgery Co-Management
Macular Degeneration
What You Should Know About Corneal Disease
