Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems.

What Causes Dry Eye?

The primary causes of dry eye include:

• Aging: As you get older, your tear production naturally decreases, making you more susceptible to dry eye.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.

• Environmental factors: Exposure to dry, windy, or air-conditioned environments can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly.

• Medical conditions: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eye.

• Digital eye strain: Prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, can reduce blink rate and lead to dry eye.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The meibomian glands are located along the edge of your eyelids and produce the oil component of your tears. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, the oil layer of your tears becomes disrupted, leading to increased evaporation and dry eye.

• Blepharitis: This is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, which can also affect the meibomian glands and contribute to dry eye. Blepharitis can be caused by bacterial infections, skin conditions, or even allergies.

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is crucial for seeking the right treatment. Some of the most common signs of dry eye include:

• Persistent eye discomfort: This can manifest as a burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in the eyes.

• Redness and inflammation: Your eyes may appear red and irritated, especially after prolonged use of digital devices or exposure to dry environments.

• Blurred vision: Dry eye can cause your vision to become blurred or fluctuate throughout the day.

• Sensitivity to light: You may experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare.

• Excessive tearing: Dry eye can cause your eyes to produce more tears in an attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with our optometrists to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, it is essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our optometrist to determine the underlying cause. Our experienced optometrists will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the specific factors contributing to your dry eye condition. Based on the information gathered, our doctor will personalize a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Treatment options may include:

• Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops that provide relief from dryness and discomfort.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and keep the eyes moist.

• Thermal Pulsation Therapy: A procedure that uses thermal pulsation to clear blocked meibomian glands and improve oil flow in the tears.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses targeted pulses of light to treat the underlying causes of dry eye, such as inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction.

These are just a few examples of the treatment options available to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Our goal is to improve your eye comfort and preserve your ocular health through personalized care and targeted treatments. We will work with you to develop a customized treatment approach that addresses your individual needs.

​​​​​​​Whether you're dealing with mild discomfort or severe, persistent dry eye, Optometry Medical Group is here to support you every step of the way. With our expertise in identifying and treating the underlying causes of dry eye, we can help you find the relief you need and restore your eyes to optimal health. Take the first step towards better eye health by contacting Optometry Medical Group today and scheduling your appointment.