DRY EYE

Dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is an eye condition that occurs when the tear ducts don’t produce the sufficient quality or amount of tears needed to lubricate the eyes. Tears not only provide nutrients to cells in the cornea of the eye, supporting overall eye health, but are also necessary in order to prevent the eye from infection and keep its surface washed and clear of foreign particles so you can see clearly.

Though dry eye is common and typically a benign (though uncomfortable) eye condition, it may also be caused by more serious underlying conditions like diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. If you experience chronically dry eyes, request an eye exam with one of our eye care professionals in Dallas so that they can provide you with a proper diagnosis and dry eye treatment options.

Dry eye can be caused by many factors:

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• Slowed tear production that results as part of the aging process
• Women who experience hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
• Certain medications, including blood pressure medicine and oral contraceptives
• Contact lens wearers, particularly those who wear lenses long term
• Environmental and lifestyle factors such as constant exposure to controlled environments that use air conditioning and heat or staring at a computer screen or digital device for uninterrupted periods of time

A proper diagnosis of dry eye and the underlying causes can only be made through a comprehensive eye exam performed by a trained eye doctor. The eye care professionals at Saland Vision in Dallas recommend that you make an appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:

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• Eye pain and/or redness
• Stinging or burning sensation in the eye
• Heavy eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation/feeling like something is in your eye
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Eye fatigue
• Excess tearing followed by periods of dryness in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Mucus in or around the eyes
• Difficulty crying

Since the causes of dry eye vary, there are different treatments to manage this condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, our eye doctors at Saland Vision may prescribe eye drops or ointments that promote tear production and reduce eye inflammation. In chronic and/or severe cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that blocks the tear ducts and prevents them from draining tears may also be recommended.

To learn more about this and other dry eye treatments, schedule an appointment with a Saland Vision eye doctor.

If you are tired of your eyes being uncomfortably dry and irritated – no matter how many eye drops you use – we can help you find relief using one of our treatment options. 

Saland Vision in Dallas provides the latest in dry eye disease treatment technology, such as Low- Level Light Therapy (LLLT). LLLT is a fast-growing technology used to treat numerous conditions, including various types of dry eye disease. LLLT stimulates healing, relieves pain & inflammation, and helps restore function of the Meibomian (oil) glands located in the eye lids. 

For a thorough exam, a treatment tailored to fit your needs, or if you have any questions, contact Saland Vision today.