Dry eye is a relatively common condition that affects an estimated 4.8 million adults who are 50 and older. Dry eye can be as frustrating as it is uncomfortable. Nevertheless, many people fail to get properly treated because they are unaware that the condition even exists. If you are seeking a Northport NY optometrist, the following is a closer look at this condition as well as how our team at Main Street Optometry can help.
The Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
One of the reasons many people fail to get the proper treatment for their chronic dry eye condition is that they are unaware of the signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms are as follows:
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Stinging, burning, and itching sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- An unexplained sensation that there's something in your eye
- Issues wearing contact lenses
- Trouble with driving and seeing at night
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Watery eyes
Common Causes
Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of dry eye. They are as follows:
- Sleeping pills
- Certain anxiety medications
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Being in smoky or excessively dry locations for prolonged periods
- Herpes zoster
- Eye surgeries (such as Lasik eye surgery)
- Auto-immune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Eyelid problems
- Imbalance in tear composition
Treatment Options
- Increasing Tears: To increase tear production, an optometry professional may prescribe artificial tears that must be applied several times per day.
- Maintaining Tears: Another method of treating dry eye is by blocking the tear ducts to prevent them from constantly draining, which will help your eye stay naturally lubricated.
- Triggering Tear Production: We can also help cure your dry eye by triggering tear production. This can be done using prescription eye drops or by adding tiny inserts that trigger tear production.
- Healing Inflammation: Lastly, healing inflammation within the eye can also serve to heal dry eye symptoms. This can be achieved using ointments or eye drops as well as following certain eye care restrictions given to you by the doctor.
If you are seeking a Northport NY optometrist to treat your dry eye, Main Street Optometry is here to help. Call us today at (631) 757-6190 to find out how one of our qualified optometrists can assist you.