Dry Eye Syndrome

Here are some important things to know about dry eyes:

Symptoms: The most common symptoms of dry eyes include a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, redness, burning, itching, and blurred vision. You may also experience increased sensitivity to light, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and eye fatigue.

Causes: Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, certain medications, hormonal changes, environmental factors such as dry air or wind, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren’s syndrome.

Treatment: Treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may be enough to relieve symptoms. Prescription eye drops or ointments, anti-inflammatory medications, or other therapies may be needed for more severe cases.

Prevention: There are several steps you can take to prevent dry eyes or minimize your symptoms. These include taking frequent breaks when using digital devices, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, avoiding smoke and other irritants, wearing wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and dust, and staying hydrated.

Complications: In severe cases, untreated dry eyes can lead to complications such as corneal damage or vision loss. It’s important to seek medical attention if you have persistent or worsening dry eye symptoms.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, talk to your eye doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

One effective treatment option for dry eyes is iLux. iLux is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that uses a handheld device to apply heat and pressure to the meibomian glands in your eyelids. These glands produce the oil that’s needed to lubricate your eyes and prevent dryness. By unclogging these glands, iLux can improve the quality and quantity of the oil, which can help relieve dry eye symptoms. iLux is a safe and painless treatment option that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Your eye doctor can help determine if iLux is a good treatment option for you and answer any questions you may have.