What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep your eyes properly lubricated. This condition can lead to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. At Mudgil Eye Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome to restore comfort and improve your eye health.
Symptoms of Dry Eye:
Some of the common symptoms of dry eyes include:
1. Redness and irritation
2. Burning or stinging sensation
3. Blurry vision
4. Sensitivity to light
4. Watery eyes (caused by reflex tearing)
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek professional care. Dry eye can affect your quality of life and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious eye conditions.
Causes of Dry Eye:
Dry eyes occur when there is a lack of sufficient tears or when the tears are of poor quality, leading to inadequate eye lubrication. Below are some of the primary causes of dry eyes:
- Aging: Tear production decreases with age, particularly after the age of 50, making dry eye more common in older adults.
- Prolonged Screen Time: Staring at screens for extended periods without blinking enough can reduce tear production and contribute to dry eyes.
- Environmental Factors: Wind, smoke, air conditioning, and dry climates can cause tears to evaporate quickly, leading to dry eyes. In cold weather there is less humidity in the air which will also make eyes dry.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
- Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as diabetes and thyroid problems, can lead to dry eye.
- Contact Lens Use: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can dry out the eyes by absorbing moisture from the tear film.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): These glands produce the oily part of tears, and when they become blocked or dysfunctional, tears evaporate too quickly.
- Laser Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can temporarily decrease tear production, leading to dry eyes post-surgery.
- Allergies: Eye allergies can trigger dry eye symptoms by causing inflammation and disrupting the tear film.
- Vitamin Deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin A, which is important for eye health, can lead to dry eyes.
If you're experiencing chronic dry eyes, it’s important to visit an eye specialist who can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options
- Prescription Eye Drops: Medicated drops like Restasis or Xiidra can help reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
- Meibomian Gland Treatment: For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), we offer treatments to improve oil production in the tear film, which helps prevent tear evaporation.
- Lid Hygiene & Warm Compresses: Regular cleaning of the eyelids combined with warm compresses can help manage dry eye symptoms, especially for patients with blepharitis.
- Tear Supplements: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate relief for mild cases of dry eye.
- Punctal Plugs: Small plugs inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping tears stay on the eye's surface longer.
Why Choose Mudgil Eye Associates for Dry Eye Treatment?
Our experienced eye doctors and staff are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with dry eye. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we assess the quality and quantity of your tears to recommend the most effective treatment for long-term relief.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation!
If you’re suffering from dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Contact Mudgil Eye Associates today at 610-429-3004 or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our dry eye treatments. We are committed to helping you achieve clear, comfortable vision.
