Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Dry Eyes on January 30, 2019
Tears are an invaluable component of maintaining consistent, comfortable, and clear vision. Tears lubricate the eyes using a mix of oils, mucus, antibodies, and water. When there is an imbalance in this combination of ingredients, dry eye can result.
You might have dry eye if…
If you have dry eye, you could be experiencing: a gritty sensation in your eyes, a sense that dust is in your eye, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. In some cases, dry eyes can generate far too many tears. This condition sends an alert to the nervous system calling for additional lubrication. Unfortunately, these extra tears are made mostly of water so they don’t contain the same mix of ingredients as normal tears. They may help wash away debris but they may not be able to lubricate the eye well.
The Cause
Dry eye can be the result of aging, menopause, the side effects of certain medications, diseases that make it hard for your body to create tears, problems that stop your eyelids from completely closing, or an imbalance in your tear system.
The Treatment
Dry eyes are generally treated using artificial tear drops and ointments. Before purchasing eye drops, be sure to check with your eye doctor to get their recommendation. Keep in mind that some eye drops are specifically for use if you wear contacts while others are not. You may need to try out several eye drops before you get one that feels just right to you.
Other treatments include temporary punctal occlusion, non-dissolving punctal plugs, punctual occlusion by cautery, lipiflow, testosterone cream, prescription eye drops, medications, or changing your diet (to include more fish oil or omega-3s).
Arrange Your Consultation
If you are tired of dry eyes, call Aker Kasten Eye Center today to schedule a consultation to determine if you need further treatment. At Aker Kasten Eye Center, we pride ourselves in quality care. Our goal is to help you achieve the best vision you can. Dry eye can stop you from reaching that goal. Call us so we can help! You can reach our office at (561) 338-7722. We look forward to assisting you.