Dry Eye Syndrome & Treatment
Living with chronic dry eyes can be miserable. Yet, millions of people every year suffer daily from dry eyes. The good news is that the condition is treatable.
When do dry eyes require medical treatment? You should contact an eye doctor about your dry eyes if:
- Symptoms persist and don’t seem to be getting better
- Over-the-counter solutions no longer work for you
- It hurts to keep your eyes open
Failure to properly treat chronic dry eyes can result in lasting damage to your eyes. Most often, it causes inflammation of the eye, corneal abrasions, ulcers, and even vision loss.
At Miramar Eye Institute, we regularly assess and treat patients with chronic dry eyes. The best way to ensure you’re properly treating your dry eyes is to make sure you visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
When your eyes are not sufficiently lubricated, it can cause them to be dry, scratchy, and painful.
There are a multitude of reasons for dry eyes. However, it usually boils down to a decrease in the quality or quantity of tears produced by your eyes – or an increase in their evaporation.
Signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Persistent watery eyes
- Burning or pain in the eyes
- Sensation of heaviness in the eyes; tired eyes
- Eye redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty driving at night
Women aged 50 and older are most often affected by dry eyes, but the problem can affect both men and women of all ages. If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more susceptible to dry eyes. A previous eye surgery can also increase your risk of developing dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eye Treatments
The first step to achieving long-lasting relief from chronic dry eyes is to consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. By examining your personal and family medical history, and other factors that may be contributing to the condition, you may find that making medication or lifestyle changes can sufficiently address the problem. For example, the following are common culprits that can lead to dry eye syndrome:
- Wearing contact lenses
- Prolonged staring at a computer screen
- Hormone fluctuations or imbalances
- Dry, low-humidity environments
- Exposure to airborne toxins
- Side effects of medications (e.g., antihistamines, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, antidepressants)
In the event medical treatment is needed to relieve your dry eye symptoms, your doctor at Miramar Eye Institute may order specific types of over-the-counter or prescription eye drops. The approach to dry eye treatment will depend on the result of your doctor’s examination of your eyes, which should include a dilated eye exam.
Most often, dry eye treatment involves one of the following:
- OTC or prescription wetting drops to keep the eyes moist
- Prescription eye drops that help increase tear production
- Blocking tear ducts (e.g., punctal plugs) to keep tears in the eyes as long as possible
- Eye surface inflammation treatment, such as eye drops, ointments, or medications
In most cases, conservative treatments are tried before more invasive methods, like surgically installing tear duct plugs.
Best Dry Eye Treatment in Miramar, FL
Are you tired of living with dry, itchy, or painful dry eyes? Get the treatment your eyes need. Call the eye doctors at Miramar Eye Institute in South Florida at (954) 437-4316 or request an appointment online now. We welcome new patients from throughout the South Florida area.