What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common and often progressive problem that affects approximately 20 million people in the United States, and the that number is growing in both young and old adults. It occurs when your tear glands do not produce enough tears to lubricate your eyes. Dry eye is a significant condition that can impact your quality of life while often can make everyday activities challenging. Understanding dry eye and its implications is the first step towards seeking appropriate treatment.

What are the Causes of Dry Eye?

The causes of dry eye can be varied, but they all result in the tear film's inability to properly lubricate the eye. Other causes include age, certain medical conditions, medications, environmental factors, and even prolonged screen time.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency can contribute to dry eye syndrome. Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure, acne, Parkinson’s, and birth control can also reduce tear production.

Another common cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the meibomian glands in the eyelids don't produce enough oil, or the oil they produce is of poor quality. This causes the tear film's lipid layer to become unstable, leading to increased tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms may include stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes, stringy mucus in or around your eyes, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a sensation of having something in your eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, difficulty with nighttime driving, watery eyes, and blurred vision or eye fatigue.

Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild and occasional to severe and continuous. Sometimes, these symptoms can be confusing as dry eye syndrome can cause watery eyes. This is the eye's response to the discomfort from dry eye. When your eyes get dry, they may overproduce tears as a protective response mechanism.

Diagnosing and Treating Dry Eye

An optometrist plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating dry eye. An optometrist has the skills and knowledge to thoroughly examine your eyes and evaluate your tear production. The doctor can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include measuring the volume of your tears and checking the quality of your tears. Using specific diagnostic tools, they can also examine the surface of your eyes for any signs of dry spots or damage.

The treatment recommended by your optometrist will depend on the severity and root cause of your dry eye. They may recommend over-the-counter eye drops, prescription medications, tear-stimulating drugs, daily home eye therapy, or even certain procedures to correct eyelid problems.
​​​​​​​

Why Choose Inland Family Optometry for Dry Eye Treatment

At Inland Family Optometry, we offer comprehensive, personalized care for dry eye syndrome. We have a team of experienced optometrists who are skilled in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions, including dry eye.

We use the latest diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose dry eye and determine its underlying cause. We then tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs to ensure the best possible outcomes. Whether you require over-the-counter eye drops, prescription medications, home remedies, or tailored in-office eye treatments, we're here to guide you through every step of your dry eye treatment journey.

At Inland Family Optometry, we believe in providing patient-centered care. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction in every service we offer. Choose us for your dry eye treatment, and experience the difference we can make in your eye health and overall quality of life.