Dry Eye

What is dry eye?

If your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, you may develop dry eye, which is a common eye condition. Your lack of lubrication may develop because of a decrease in tear production or change in the quality of your tears. 

What are dry eye symptoms?

Dry eye symptoms vary depending on how your tears are affected. However, they tend to affect both eyes. Common dry eye symptoms include:

• Stinging or burning
• Itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling as though you have something in your eye
• Red eyes
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue

Changes in vision or eye health shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the team at Fuerst Eye Center, offers comprehensive eye exams to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. 

What causes dry eyes?

Changes in your tears are the primary cause of dry eye. Your tears are comprised of water, oil, and mucus. This mix keeps your eyes lubricated and moist and protects them from infection.

Your dry eyes may be caused by:

A decrease in tear production

A decrease in tear production can result in a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It may develop as part of the aging process or from an underlying medical condition. Certain medications or laser eye surgery may also lead to a decrease in tear production.

Increased tear evaporation

Environmental and lifestyle factors may contribute to an increase in tear evaporation, such as not blinking enough or windy weather. Eyelid problems that affect blinking may also increase tear evaporation and cause dry eyes.

Changes in tear composition

Changes in the composition of your tears prevent adequate eye lubrication. Blockages in the glands that produce the oil may cause these changes.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

The specialists at Fuerst Eye Center conduct comprehensive eye exams when you come to the office seeking treatment for dry eye. The state-of-the-art ophthalmology practice performs tear osmolarity testing to assess your tear quality and lubrication. 

How is dry eye treated?

The board-certified ophthalmologists at Fuerst Eye Center develop individualized treatment plans to manage dry eye. Your treatment plan may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Tear-stimulating medications
• Punctal plugs to keep tears in the eye longer
• Serum tears
• Eyelid treatments to improve the oil layer of the tears

The team monitors your response to treatment and adjusts your plan as needed to maximize eye health and resolve your symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with the experienced team at Fuerst Eye Center, call the office or book online today.