Dry Eye
Dry eyes affect millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 17 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from this uncomfortable condition.
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common, often chronic condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to discomfort, inflammation, and can sometimes damage the eye’s surface.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning
- Redness
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Blurred vision
- Itching
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing due to irritation
What causes dry eye?
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, such as aging, environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, contact lens wear, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases. Hormonal changes and eyelid dysfunction can also play a role in tear production and stability.
Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye and therefore more than one recommended treatment.
How is dry eye diagnosed and treated?
At our practice, we offer personalized treatment plans for managing dry eye disease. These may include lifestyle changes, prescription medications, in-office treatments like punctal plugs, and advanced procedures to restore tear film quality. Our goal is to address the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and provide lasting relief.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule an eye exam with our team to determine the best treatment for your condition. We’re here to help restore comfort and protect your long-term visual health.