Dry eye syndrome can cause frustrating issues that go beyond just dry eyes. If you are struggling with red, itchy, sore, or tired-feeling eyes, we are here to help. Our experienced doctors have advanced expertise in detecting and managing dry eye symptoms to help you reclaim comfortable, clear vision.
Do You Have Dry Eye?
Every time you blink, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye. Your eyes depend on a flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain eye health and comfort. When the volume or consistency of the tear system becomes imbalanced, you might experience dry eyes.
When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, you could experience:
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Burning sensation
- Discomfort in windy or dry conditions
- A gritty sensation
- Redness
- Eye Fatigue
Although the symptoms often start as minor inconveniences, the effects of dry eye are progressive and can worsen over time, potentially leading to severe discomfort or blurred vision.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Your eyes require a constant layer of tears to lubricate, nourish, protect and cleanse your eye surface. Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratitis Sicca) occurs when the eyes aren’t sufficiently moisturized, leading to itching, redness, and pain from dry spots on the surface of the eye. The eyes may become dry and irritated, characterized by a scratchy, gritty feeling.
The most common form of dry eye is the evaporative form, which affects 8 out of every 10 dry eye cases (86%). This indicates a shortage of oil on the surface of your tears, leading them to evaporate faster than normal. This shortage of tear oil is caused by a blockage in your eyelid (Meibomian) glands and is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
This may lead to the irritating symptoms of dry eye. Factors like aging, environment, medical conditions, or medication side effects can all contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye is not only painful, but it can also damage the eye’s surface and impair vision. Without proper treatment, inadequate tear production can make daily activities frustrating, affecting your personal and professional life, from reading or watching TV, to driving or working on the computer.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available.
Treatments For Dry Eye Syndrome
Non-surgical treatments for dry eye include increasing humidity at home or work and the use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. Many individuals benefit from topical drops that increase tear production.
If initial methods are not effective, the doctors at Vista Eye Specialists can insert small punctal plugs in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage or close the drainage tubes during a simple office procedure. These plugs help retain tears and provide many patients with relief from dry eye symptoms. In some cases, eyelid surgery may also be recommended if an eyelid condition is contributing to dry eyes.
Why Choose Us For Dry Eye Care
At Vista Eye Specialists, we understand how frustrating chronic dry eye can be. Our doctors invest in modern technology, stay current with clinical advances, and commit to ongoing professional development to ensure patients have access to the most advanced treatment options. Our team listens carefully to each patient so we can tailor care and restore comfortable vision quickly.
Expert Dry Eye Care in Fredericksburg and Culpeper
Experiencing dry eye symptoms? Call 888-393-5264 to schedule a visit in Fredericksburg or Culpeper. Relief starts with a conversation.