Over-the-counter eyedrops can ease occasional dry eye, but if symptoms persist, a thorough examination is needed. The dedicated eye doctors at Lakewood, New Jersey’s InVision Eye Care Specialists explain dry eye treatments.
Category: Dry eye
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not receive sufficient lubrication. This usually involves a lack of tear production or inadequate tear consistency. The dedicated eye doctors at Lakewood, New Jersey’s InVision Eye Care Specialists discuss how dry eye happens as well as treatment options.
Formally known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye is a common ophthalmological condition. Tears coat the eye’s surface to prevent dryness. When the eye does not produce an adequate amount of tears, or the tear quality is poor, the eye’s surface becomes inflamed.
While anyone may develop dry eye, it occurs more frequently in older individuals. Pregnant women are prone to temporary dry eye. Contact lens wearers may also experience dry eye. Changing the type of lens may help. Those suffering from severe dry eye may prove unable to wear contact lenses.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
Pain
Redness
Burning or stinging sensation
Eye discharge
Blurry vision episodes
Light sensitivity
Some people may notice they can no longer read or work on devices with comfort.
If dry eye symptoms persist, seek help from an eye care professional. When left untreated, dry eye can cause corneal scars or ulcers, potentially threatening vision.
After a thorough eye examination, the doctor conducts a tear production test. Although various tests are used, the goal is measuring tear volume and quality. Tear samples are checked for evidence of dry eye disease markers.
Dry eye treatment depends on the underlying cause. Tell your eye doctor about all medications you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Side effects of some drugs include dry eye. Your eye doctor will confer with the healthcare provider recommending the medication in question to find a suitable substitute. Medications that may exacerbate dry eye include some:
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Birth control pills
High blood pressure drugs
If eyelid inflammation is responsible for your dry eyes, oral or topical antibiotics may help. When the cornea is inflamed, prescription eyedrops may control inflammation. Some eyedrops contain corticosteroids, which can relieve the issue but are not suitable for long-term use.
Medications are available for stimulating tear production. Some patients may benefit from tiny rice-like inserts placed into the eye daily. As the insert slowly dissolves, it aids in eye lubrication.
When these standard methods do not relieve dry eye, the patient may respond to autologous blood serum drops. The serum in these drops is made from their own blood.
If you experience dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with any of our talented doctors at InVision Eye Care Specialists. We serve patients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, and the surrounding areas.
