Dry Eyes

Do your eyes feel gritty?  Are they light sensitive?  Do they itch or burn?

Dry eyes is a common condition that is a result of your eyes not producing enough lubricating tears to maintain the moisture they need to sustain healthy vision. Other symptoms of dry eye include blurred vision, and excess watering of the eye (as opposed to lubrication). These symptoms often worsen until treatment is administered.

Lubrication is necessary to maintain good eye health and good vision.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome can be triggered by a number of health and environmental issues. The most common causes are:

• Contact lens wear
• Insufficient blinking (for example staring at a computer screen for too long)
• Living in a dry or dusty climate
• Heating/air conditioning or ceiling fans
• Medications (ex: antihistamines, birth-control pills)
• LASIK surgery in most patients

Dry eye is also a natural effect of the aging process, and can be brought on by several diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. If you suspect that you are suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, a thorough dry eye evaluation by an MD ophthalmologist is recommended.

Treatment of Dry Eye

Dry eyes is often a chronic condition, with no real 'cure.' However, there are several treatment options that the experts at Eye Associates of Brazos Valley may recommend to eliminate all the uncomfortable side effects of the condition:

• Artificial tears –These are basically lubricating eye drops that function similar to the natural tears your body produces. They are used to treat those with mild and infrequent symptoms only.
  
  
• Punctal plugs –These are little artificial plugs that your doctor may painlessly insert into your tear
  ducts to slow the normal drainage of the lubricating fluid that is produced by your own body. This allows your own lubrication to remain on the surface of your eye longer. These are indicated for moderate and severe dry eyes and those with frequent symptoms.

Medication (Restasis)

Long term use may be somewhat helpful in a limited number of patients. We find punctual plugs to be much more effective in nearly all patients that are candidates for them.

If you feel that you're suffering from symptoms of dry eye, please schedule a dry eye evaluation today with the Eye Associates of Brazos Valley.

We'll review your medical history, examine your eyes, and administer a treatment plan that'll have you seeing clearly and comfortably once again. The diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes is covered by medical insurance.