Find Relief for Dry Eyes in Washington, PA
Dry eye syndrome is more common than you might think, affecting millions worldwide. This eye condition can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and even impact your daily life if left untreated. Eyeworks Optical is skilled in diagnosing and managing dry eye, providing effective treatments that offer lasting relief.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the surface of the eyes properly lubricated. There are two main types of dry eye:
- Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye: This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough watery fluid (aqueous) to maintain a healthy tear film.
- Evaporative Dry Eye: This is the most common form, occurring when tears evaporate too quickly due to problems with the oil layer of the tear film, often related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Red eyes due to inflammation
- Blurry vision, especially after extended screen use or reading
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of grit or a foreign object stuck in your eye
- Paradoxically, excessive tearing can also be a sign, as the body tries to compensate for dryness
What Causes of Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including:
- Aging: Tear production tends to decrease with age.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can contribute to symptoms.
- Screen use: Prolonged periods of focusing on screens can reduce blink rate.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
- Medications: Certain medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction: Dysfunction of the glands that produce oils for the tear film can lead to rapid tear evaporation.
The Importance of a Proper Diagnosis
Dry eye symptoms can be similar to those of other eye conditions, and treating it properly requires understanding the underlying cause. An optometrist can determine the type of dry eye you have and recommend a tailored treatment plan. Without treatment, chronic dry eye can lead to damage to the eye's surface and ongoing discomfort.
Dry Eye Treatment at Eyeworks Optical
Our eye doctor uses advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatments to manage dry eye:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, tear production, and overall eye health.
- Artificial tears and lubricants: We may recommend high-quality artificial tears to provide temporary relief and maintain lubrication.
- Prescription eye drops: In some cases, prescription eye drops are needed to reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
- Lifestyle recommendations: We work with you to make adjustments that can ease symptoms, like taking regular screen breaks and using humidifiers.
- Phone: 724-225-4448
- Fax: 724-225-7237
- Email: support@eyeworks-optical.com
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
Washington, PA 15301
- Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed