Optometrist Dr. Eklund has served the community of Wellington for several years. In that time, the Wellington Eye Care team has met thousands of individuals struggling with symptoms of dry eye. If you or a loved one is dealing with dry eye, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. No more needlessly suffering. Our diagnostic and therapeutic optometry services can help you find relief!
What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?
People with dry eye often complain of symptoms like:
- Burning and itchy eyes
- Fatigued, sore, heavy, or achy eyes
- The feeling of a foreign body stuck in the eye (like something gritty)
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Intermittent Blurry vision
Additionally, excessive watery discharge may also occur. While it may sound counterintuitive, this discharge is your body's attempt to compensate for a lack of normal tear production. Unfortunately, this discharge generally isn't sufficient enough to moisturize the eyes and can dry out overnight, leading to crusty residue on the lids and lashes.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Survey data indicates over 26 million Americans experience dry eye symptoms. What's causing it? Essentially, anything that disrupts the quality and/or quantity of the protective tear film over your eyes. Common risk factors and underlying causes include:
- Cosmetics
- Smoke and pollution
- Allergies to dust, pollen, pet dander and other environmental allergens
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Advancing age
- Excessive computer use
- Frequent flying
- Medications
- Menopause
- Underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, the autoimmune disorder Sjogren's syndrome, Meibomian gland dysfunction (which causes tears to dry out too quickly), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dryness affecting the cornea and conjunctiva)
If left untreated, dry eye can increase a person's risk for eye inflammation and in some cases damage to the outer surface of the eyes themselves.
How A Wellington Eye Doctor Can Diagnose and Treat Dry Eye Syndrome
Our Wellington eye doctor can diagnose the cause of your dry eye symptoms during a comprehensive eye exam. Correct diagnosis is essential in order for appropriate treatment to begin.
Once your dry eye has been diagnosed, we can initiate an individualized plan of care that will relieve your symptoms and help you manage your condition. Common approaches to dry eye treatment include:
- Prescription medications (both oral and topical) to reduce inflammation and restore eye moisture
- Patient education regarding lifestyle modifications
- Peri-operative support for surgeries (e.g., tear duct plugging)
Are Dry Eyes Affecting Your Daily Life?
If you struggle to get through the day with your dry eyes, contact Wellington Eye Care at (970) 568-7161 and schedule an appointment with our doctor of optometry today!