How Can Dry Eye Syndrome Be Treated?
Patients come to Deen-Gross Eye Centers in Merrillville and Hobart because they know they will receive advanced eye care treatment and tips for preserving vision. Our team takes a holistic approach to vision and empowers patients through education to keep their eyes healthy for years to come.
Since so many patients suffer from dry eye at one point or another, we'd like to go over the basics of dry eye right now.
About Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which a person does not produce a sufficient amount of tears to keep the eyes lubricated and moist. When this occurs, it can lead to serious irritation and pain of the eyes, as well as red eye and issues with overall vision quality. Many older adults experience dry eye as part of the aging process.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are many different causes of dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common include:
-
Advanced Age – Tear production often slows down as part of the aging process. Many people older than 65 experience dry eye.
-
Gender – Women are more likely to experience dry eye due to various hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and the use of oral contraceptives.
-
Medical Problems – Dry eye is a common symptom of various health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid conditions.
-
Medication Side Effects – A number of prescription drugs for blood pressure, depression, and allergies can cause dry eye as one of the side effects.
-
LASIK and Refractive Surgery – One of the side effects of LASIK surgery is an increase instance of dry eye due to the flap created in the cornea.
-
Environmental Factors – When you are in a windy, smoky, arid, or dusty place, there is an increased risk of experiencing dry eye.
Eye Drops for Dry Eye Syndrome
There are different kinds of eye drops that can be used to treat dry eye. Some of them are over-the-counter, while others are prescribed by a doctor.
One of the simplest solutions for dry eye attacks is the use of over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate the eyes. By adding moisture to the eyes during moments of irritation or itchiness, you can immediately relieve these symptoms and prevent more serious dry eye in the near future.
There are also presbyopia eye drops that can help promote the production of additional tears. These kinds of eye drops generally help prevent inflammation of the tear ducts as well, which helps with tear production.
Conserving Tears for Dry Eye Syndrome
One surgical option for addressing dry eye is known as conserving your tears. This will involve plugging up the tear ducts so that eye moisture remains in the eyes without draining out. (Incidentally, the tear drainage is why people typically have a runny nose when they cry.)
Other Treatment and Prevention Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye doctors may have a number of recommendations for patients with regard to diet and lifestyle that can promote greater production of tears. They may also recommend that patients avoid dry and dusty areas to the best of their ability since it can trigger a dry eye attack. Wearing sunglasses when outdoors is also recommended, protecting the eyes from the sun and keeping potential triggers of dry eye attacks out of the eyes.
Contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers
For more information about dry eye syndrome and how it can be properly treated and addressed, it's important that you contact our laser vision correction center today. At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we will work with you to ensure you have healthy eyes and great vision.