Dry Eyes

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes occur when your tear glands don’t produce enough lubrication. That can occur due to an underlying health problem or as a result of external factors, like allergens. 

Regardless of the underlying cause, if you have dry eyes and they affect your ability to work or perform other activities, it’s important to contact Crystal Vision Optometry.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Symptoms of dry eyes include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
• Mucus in and around your eyes
• Red eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty driving at night
• Blurred vision

If you have dry eyes, you might also experience eye fatigue. That’s especially true if you spend most of your workday in front of a computer monitor.

When should I see an optometrist about dry eyes?

Make an appointment at Crystal Vision Optometry if you experience dry, red, itchy, or painful eyes and they don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter eyedrops. After a comprehensive eye exam, your provider can identify the underlying cause and make treatment recommendations.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Crystal Vision Optometry diagnoses dry eyes during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse at certain times, like after you get off work or when you’re driving at night.

Next, your provider has you fill out a Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire. The document helps track the progression of eye dryness over time.

They also take pictures of your meibomian glands (oil glands) and order a series of tests that measure the volume and quality of your tears. After confirming the cause of your symptoms, your optometrist develops a treatment plan.

How are dry eyes treated?

Treatment of dry eyes depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. Crystal Vision Optometry might recommend:

• Drugs to reduce eyelid inflammation
• Eyedrops to control corneal inflammation
• Eye inserts that work like artificial tears
• Tear-stimulating drugs
• Eyedrops made from your blood
• Sealing your tear ducts to prevent tear loss
• Unblocking oil glands
• Prescribing special contact lenses
• Light therapy
• Eyelid massage

Ultimately, the goal of dry eye treatment is to encourage healthy tear production and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

To receive treatment for dry eyes, make an appointment at Crystal Vision Optometry by calling the office or booking online today.