Dry Eyes

 The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eyes indicates that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. Often dry eyes are part of the natural aging process. It can also be caused by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome, or chemical or thermal burns to your eyes.

If you have dry eyes, your symptoms may include tired, irritated, scratchy, discomfort, red eyes, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes or blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes), impair vision, and make contact lens wear difficult.

 Dry eyes cannot be cured, however, we can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected. Some treatments that we might prescribe include lid hygiene, increasing humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and prescription medications, or dietary supplements.   In some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage.