DRY EYE TREATMENT
Do you have teary or watery eyes?
Burning, itchiness, or a sandy feeling around your eyelids?
You might have dry eye syndrome.
What is
DRY EYE SYNDROME? (DES)
Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. The result? Unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes, excessive tearing—and even eye pain. Dry eye syndrome can also increase your risk for more serious eye problems like corneal ulcers. Without treatment or proper medication, DES can worsen over time.
What Causes
DRY EYES?
While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome.
These include:
- Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.
- Age – there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age
- Environment – dry wind, dry air and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.
- Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants and blood pressure medications.
- Auto-immune disorders – Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.
How Do I Know If I Have
DRY EYE SYNDROME?
Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?
- Gritty, itchy, or stinging eyes
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eyes that feel tired or dry
- Increased light sensitivity
- Regularly using eye drops
- Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses
If so, you may have dry eye syndrome.
Do You Have More
QUESTIONS ABOUT DRY EYES?
Is there a cure for dry eye syndrome?
While there is no permanent cure for dry eye syndrome, effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve eye comfort. At Atkinson Eye Care, we offer personalized solutions, including prescription eye drops, artificial tears, lifestyle adjustments, and advanced treatments to address the root causes of dry eye. Our team is dedicated to finding the best approach for your specific needs, helping you achieve long-term relief and healthier eyes. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options!
What is the main cause of dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is primarily caused by a lack of sufficient or high-quality tears to keep the eyes properly lubricated. This can result from various factors, including aging, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, medications, and environmental influences like screen time, dry climates, or wind exposure. At Atkinson Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing the root cause of dry eye and providing targeted treatments to restore comfort and eye health. Schedule an appointment today to learn more!
How do I prevent dry eye symptoms?
Preventing dry eye symptoms starts with maintaining good eye health and making simple lifestyle adjustments. Staying hydrated, blinking regularly—especially during screen use—and using a humidifier can help keep your eyes moisturized. Wearing sunglasses outdoors protects against wind and sun exposure, while following the 20-20-20 rule (taking breaks from screens every 20 minutes) can reduce strain. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and avoiding smoke or air pollution also supports tear production. At Atkinson Eye Care, we offer expert guidance and advanced treatments to help you prevent and manage dry eye symptoms effectively. Schedule a visit today to keep your eyes feeling their best!
Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?
While dry eye syndrome itself does not typically cause blindness, severe or untreated cases can lead to serious complications that may impact vision. Chronic dryness can damage the surface of the eye, leading to inflammation, corneal abrasions, ulcers, or infections, which can, in extreme cases, result in vision loss. Proper treatment is essential to prevent these complications and maintain eye health. At Atkinson Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and managing dry eye with advanced treatments tailored to your needs. If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment today to protect your vision and find lasting relief.
