Perhaps you’ve never had a problem with your eyes — until now. Your eyes look red. You feel a burning sensation. Your eyes may also feel like they have dirt or grit in them. It’s likely you have a condition called dry eye syndrome.
Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrist at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, treat cases of dry eye; it’s a common ailment. Your dry eye likely won’t be cured, unless it’s a temporary ailment after an eye surgery. However, we provide effective treatment that can greatly reduce or eliminate your uncomfortable symptoms.
You’re seeking relief from chronic dry eye. We review your medical history and medications and conduct a thorough eye examination to determine the exact cause of your eye trouble. Perhaps you don’t produce enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. Maybe you live in a dry climate or work in an environment that includes toxins. Perhaps medication or a medical condition is the culprit.
The following are various effective treatments. Your physician develops a customized treatment plan based on the cause of your dry eye. We can find a solution for you.
Tears serve a vital function; they keep your eyes moist and healthy, and protect them from dirt and debris.
Your dry eye may be due to decreased tear production. Your eyes age the same as the rest of your body parts. After age 50, it’s not uncommon for tear production to decline. If you wear contacts, you’re at risk for dry eye, especially if you leave them in too long.
To help you feel better, we need to increase your tear production. Artificial tears keep your eyes lubricated and prevent your eyelids from rubbing against your cornea.
There are a few types of artificial tears. Your doctor recommends the type most effective for you based on your lifestyle and the condition of your eyes. You may prefer preservative-free artificial tears, which are applied several times a day. We may prescribe a gel or ointment to prevent dry eyes in the morning.
Several prescription eye drops attack the root cause of dry eye syndrome. One brand reduces inflammation; these artificial tears help to increase tear production. Another type of prescription helps slow tear evaporation, reducing the gritty feeling in your eye. A short-term steroid can calm severe symptoms.
If you’re losing tears too quickly, your physician may recommend inserting punctal plugs to help your eyes maintain moisture. You have two tiny drains called puncta on the upper and lower inside corners of each eye. The puncta drains your excess tears into your nose. The punctal plugs stop the flow of moisture so that your eyes aren’t so dry.
Blue-light blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain when working at a computer daily. They’re not a treatment for dry eye per se, but eye strain can make dry eye worse.
You can maintain good eye hygiene while working on the computer by taking frequent breaks, reducing screen brightness, and keeping a distance from your monitor.
Request an appointment through our online portal or call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, today. We help protect your vision.
