Dry Eye Clinic
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that results from inflammation of the eyes and the tear producing glands around the eyes. Dry eye syndrome extremely common, affecting nearly 20% of Americans. Chronic dry eyes can lead to damage of the eye’s surface and eventually the inability to produce your own tears. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss in severe cases.
Symptoms
- Dry sensation
- Scratchy, gritty, irritated feeling
- Itching
- Burning and stinging
- Excess tearing (watery eyes)
- Redness
- Fluctuations in vision
- Tired eyes
- Contact lens discomfort
- Sensitivity to light, wind, dry air
Treatments
- Lubricating drops and ointments
- Eye lid wipes and warm compresses
- Prescription eye drops
- Nutritional supplements
- Punctal Plugs
- Scleral Contact Lenses
Causes
- Contact lens wear
- Inflammation
- Hormones
- Smoking
- Medications (side effects of many medications)
- Systemic conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome
- Allergies
