Dry Eye Relief in North Haven
At TotalVision Eyecare Center, we specialize in providing comprehensive and tailored care for patients with dry eye. Our expert team diagnoses and manages dry eye conditions, ensuring your eyes feel refreshed and revitalized.
Signs And Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Dryness, scratchiness, and burning sensation in the eyes
- Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in the eye)
- Watery eyes
If you experience these symptoms, request an appointment with us.
Watery eyes can also sometimes be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This occurs because excessive dryness can overstimulate the production of the watery component of your eye's tears.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome is a complex condition with many causes. Still, it all boils down to insufficient tears, which can be due to various factors, including age, medications, environment, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.
Women are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome, possibly due to hormonal changes.
Smoking and incomplete eyelid closure can also increase your risk.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
Several treatments are available for dry eye syndrome, but no cure exists. The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with dry eye.
One of the most common treatments for dry eye is artificial tears. These lubricating eye drops can help to relieve dryness, scratchiness, and burning sensations. There are both over-the-counter and prescription artificial tears available.
If you wear contact lenses, check with your eye doctor to see which artificial tears are safe for you to use. Some artificial tears can interfere with contact lens wear.
Other treatment options for dry eye include:
- Prescription eye drops: Prescription eye drops can help to increase tear production or improve the quality of tears.
- Lubricant inserts: An eye doctor places these tiny inserts inside the lower eyelid, slowly releasing lubrication throughout the day.
- Punctal plugs: These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to slow down the drainage of tears, which helps to keep the eyes moist.
- Warm compresses: Warm compresses can help loosen oil in the eyelids, improving tear quality.
Meibomian gland expression: This in-office procedure can help to clear blocked oil glands in the eyelids. - Nutritional supplements: Some doctors may recommend supplements containing essential fatty acids to help reduce dry eye symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking, using a humidifier, and drinking plenty of fluids can also help to manage dry eye symptoms.
Considering LASIK?
If you are considering LASIK surgery, talk to our eye doctor about your dry eye condition. Dry eye can increase your risk for complications after LASIK surgery, so we may want to treat your dry eye before surgery.
It is important to note that not all treatments for dry eye are effective for everyone. Working with your eye doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you is essential.