Dry eye is an eye condition caused when your eyes stop producing quality tears. Poor tear production can cause your eyes to become dry, itchy, and easily irritated. These FAQs from Greater New Orleans Eye Care, serving residents in Marrero and New Orleans, LA, explain more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dry eye syndrome.
Who’s at risk of developing dry eye?
Various factors can contribute to developing dry eye syndrome, including:
- Age (tear production naturally diminishes with age)
- The use of certain medications
- Certain health issues
- Eye allergies or injuries
- Overexposure to the sun, pollen, wind, or other environmental elements
- Long-term computer or contact lens use
What are some common symptoms of dry eye?
Dry eye symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of your condition. Symptoms include:
- Dry, itchy, irritated eyes
- A gritty sensation in your eye
- Teary eyes
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
How does an eye doctor diagnose dry eye?
Our Marrero & New Orleans optometrist can diagnose dry eye during a routine exam. If we suspect you have this condition, we’ll conduct tests to assess your tear production and the quality of the tears produced by your eyes. We’ll review the causes of dry eye to see if any pertain to you and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How is dry eye treated?
Dry eye treatments vary depending on the severity of your condition. If your symptoms are mild, your eye doctor may recommend OTC eye drops to remedy your symptoms. For severe cases of dry eye, we may prescribe eye drops to stimulate tear production to provide the moisture your eyes need. Eye inserts containing artificial tears can be strategically placed in your eyes to release moisture throughout the day. Punctual plugs can help close your tear ducts to keep tears from draining prematurely so your eyes stay lubricated and moist.
Is dry eye serious?
Mild cases of dry eye that can be remedied with artificial tears are no cause for alarm. Left untreated, however, your condition could worsen, putting you at risk of impaired sight. Tears keep your eyes moist and remove dust and debris from your eyes to protect them from harm. Poor tear production leaves the cornea of your eye unprotected, putting you at risk of infection or corneal abrasions.
See Your Marrero & New Orleans, LA Optometrist for Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
The good news is you don’t have to put up with irritating dry eye symptoms. You can find relief through dry eye treatment. To learn more about your treatment options, contact your Marrero/New Orleans, LA eye doctor from Greater New Orleans Eye Care at (504) 348-2993.