Dry Eye FAQs Answered by Our Optometrist
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes fail to produce sufficient tears to keep them moist and lubricated. Lack of tears can cause your eyes to become dry, irritated, itchy, and burning. If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, contact Holicki Eye Center & Optical in Coldwater, Sturgis, and Angola for diagnosis and treatment. The following FAQs from our optometrist can help you learn more about this eye condition.
Who Can Get Dry Eye?
Seniors are more prone to dry eye as age tends to reduce the production of tears. However, anyone of any age can suffer from this condition.
Is Dry Eye Syndrome Permanent?
Yes, dry eye syndrome is a permanent condition. Although there’s no cure for dry eye, you can get treatment to manage your symptoms. A checkup from your Coldwater optometry specialist can give you a better idea of how to treat your condition.
What Are Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eye can cause your eyes to itch, burn, feel gritty, turn red, become sensitive to light, and water uncontrollably. Symptoms tend to increase as the day progresses due to prolonged use of your eyes.
Why Do My Eyes Water If I Have Dry Eye?
Excessive tearing can be quite common with dry eye as your eyes work overtime to produce tears to compensate for the dryness. These watery, poor quality tears, however, won’t help alleviate your symptoms.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Various factors can contribute to your developing dry eye syndrome to include age, autoimmune diseases, certain types of medications, environmental elements, digital eye strain, hormonal changes, and eye disorders and diseases.
Is Dry Eye Serious?
The surface of your eye is very sensitive. Lack of lubrication makes your eyes more susceptible to scratches, infection, and disease. Dry eye can cause blurry vision, making it difficult for you to drive, work, or perform daily tasks. As symptoms escalate, they can seriously impair your vision.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Your Coldwater optometrist may recommend several options for treating your dry eye condition. If you have a mild case, we may recommend over the counter eye drops to alleviate dryness and alleviate irritation. For more severe cases, your optometry specialist may prescribe eye drops or other medications. If your eyes are constantly watering, punctal plugs can help retain your tears to help lubricate your eyes.
If blocked eye glands are the cause of your dry eye, Lipiflow treatment can help unblock your glands, allowing natural oils to provide dry eye relief. If eyelid inflammation is aggravating this condition, BlephEx treatment can help cleanse your lids to alleviate symptoms.
See Your Coldwater Optometrist for Dry Eye Treatment
To schedule an evaluation for dry eye syndrome, contact Holicki Eye Center & Optical in Coldwater at 517-279-7927, in Sturgis at 269-659-4545, and in Angola at 260-665-5015.
