What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be a persistent source of discomfort, often manifesting as a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes. Many people describe the feeling of having a foreign object, like a grain of sand, stuck under their eyelid. While it may seem counterintuitive, excessive tearing is also a common symptom, as the eyes overproduce watery tears to compensate for the lack of high-quality lubrication. You might also notice redness, blurred vision that improves after blinking, and a significant sensitivity to light or wind. These symptoms often worsen after long periods of screen use or in dry environments, making the eyes feel heavy and fatigued.
 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears reduce eye infections, wash away foreign matter, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are poor quality. It’s a common and often chronic problem, especially in older adults.
 

The vast majority of dry eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD. When these glands are clogged, they can't produce the necessary oils, leading to chronic dry eye symptoms.

Before we delve into more serious dry eye treatment options, here are a few simple self-care options that can manage minor cases of dry eye.

• Blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for a long time.

• Make sure there’s adequate humidity in the air at work and at home.

• Wear sunglasses outside to reduce sun and wind exposure. Wraparound glasses are best.

• Take supplements with essential fatty acids (Omega-3s)

• Use a warm compress eye mask 5-10 minutes each day

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day to avoid dehydration.

• Find out if any of your prescriptions have dry eye as a side effect and if so, see if you can take an alternative.

You don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of dry eye and our newest in-office treatment