Burning, Itching, Stinging, or Uncomfortable Eyes?
Dry eyes can be extremely uncomfortable and eye dryness can even impact your vision. At I Love LASIK, we know all about dry eye syndrome and dry eye treatment.
Talk to the doctor about your dry eyes.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also sometimes called dry eye disease, is a medical condition in which a person does not produce enough tear film to adequately lubricate the eyes. Contrary to popular belief, you can still have dry eye syndrome even if you cry because there are two different types of tears. The tear film that protects your eyes is thicker and oilier than the tears you cry, which evaporate more quickly and don't do much in the way of protection.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. The most common symptoms that patients experience with this condition include but are not limited to:
- A burning or stinging sensation of the eyes
- Eyes that itch or turn red
- Stringy, thick mucous around the eyes, especially in the morning
- The sensation of having a foreign body or particle in your eye
- Pain or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, or the inability to wear contact lenses
- Eyes that water or tear up very easily
- Eyes that feel tired or fatigued
- Blurred vision at a distance or up close
- Excessive glare around lights at night
Do you have any symptoms of dry eyes?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khosrof
What Causes Dry Eyes?
There are many different causes of dry eyes. The most common causes are autoimmune diseases, eye allergies, changes in the body's hormones, inflamed or irritated tear glands, aging, a history of eye surgery, thyroid disease, medications like antihistamines, and corneal nerve damage.
Dry eyes can result from increased evaporation of the tear film, the decreased production of tears, or both. The increased evaporation of tears can be caused by certain vitamin deficiencies such as Vitamin A, smoke or wind exposure, blepharitis, decreased blinking that occurs with some diseases or activities, and even some preservatives in eye drops. Decreased production of natural tear film can result due to aging, antidepressants, and a number of medical conditions.
Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye treatment varies from simple over-the-counter remedies to in-office procedures that block the tear glands. Many optometrists and ophthalmologists will work with a person's medical doctor to both treat the symptoms of dry eye to reduce patient discomfort and also treat the underlying cause of the condition. Potential treatments include:
- Medication to reduce inflammation of the eyelids or cornea
- Eye drops that can be used to bring immediate relief to dryness symptoms
- Medications or eye drops that stimulate the production of tears
- Holistic treatments like massage or light therapy
- Decrease or eliminate the use of contact lenses
- Changing contact lens brands or materials
- Temporary or permanent plugs that block the tear glands and prevent tear film from draining
Book Your Consultation Today at I Love LASIK
At I Love LASIK, we know how uncomfortable and frustrating dry eye can be. We can help you find relief from dry eye caused by contact lens wear, previous eye surgery, and other conditions. Contact us today to learn more.