Dry Eyes in Tuscaloosa, AL

Most of us will deal with dry, itchy eyes at some point, but if it lingers for a long time or happens regularly, it could be dry eye syndrome. This common condition is caused by a lack of tears or oils within the tears, whether a result of an underlying illness, various prescription drugs, or environmental factors. Without adequate tear production, patients can experience severe eye irritation and blurred vision. The experienced team at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa provides a number of treatment options for dry eye syndrome. We conduct thorough exams to accurately diagnose dry eyes and pinpoint an underlying condition. To learn more about management options for dry eye syndrome, get in touch with our team in Tuscaloosa, AL to set up your initial visit.

The main triggers of dry eyes are the underproduction of tears or lubrication within the tears. The generation of tears has three important components, and there are particular types of dry eyes depending on which part is impacted. The lacrimal glands make the tears, the meibomian glands secrete the oils within the tears, and the goblet cells blend them together. Dry eyes might appear if any of these three parts of tear production goes awry. Several different things can alter any of these components, including menopause, eye strain, underlying conditions like diabetes, and certain prescription medications.

Individuals with dry eye syndrome often have blurry vision and bloodshot, itchy, stinging eyes. Many people feel like they have dust or dirt in their eyes or have pain from their contact lenses. People with dry eyes often say that their eyeballs feel weak and achy. Sometimes, they develop light sensitivity and notice problems with driving at night. Contrary to what the name implies, dry eye syndrome can often lead to even more tears to compensate for the dryness. Dry eye syndrome involves the recurrent experience of a few or all of these symptoms and frequently leads to challenges in daily duties and hobbies.

Dry eyes can result from various risk factors that affect the production and quality of tears, leading to discomfort and vision issues. Key risk factors for developing dry eye syndrome include:

• Age, with older adults more frequently affected due to decreased tear production
• Environmental conditions such as exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates that can evaporate tears
• Long periods of screen use, which reduces blinking and tear spread
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, as well as medications including antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure drugs

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for managing and preventing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam in Tuscaloosa, AL. One of our eye specialists will learn about your symptoms, as well as any past or current conditions to determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes. The complete eye exam will most likely include gauging the quantity and quality of your tear production and performing an external examination of your eyelids, eyes, and corneas using a tiny light and mirrored lenses. Your specific dry eye treatment plan will be based on your particular case. Many patients with mild cases of dry eye can ease the symptoms with prescription or over-the-counter artificial tears. These eye drops can add to your natural tears. If your condition doesn't respond to eye drops, tiny plugs can be inserted in your tear ducts (known as punctal occlusion) to seal them off and preserve the real tears in the eye.

What can help with dry eyes?
Here are a few things you can do to help avoid getting dry eyes:

• Rest your eyes
• Avoid extended screen time and take frequent breaks
• Use a humidifier
• Limit time in places with a lot of air circulation
• Don't smoke and avoid cigarettes or other types of smoke
• Use a warm compress on your eyes
• Try taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement

Can dry eye cause eye damage?
In some rare cases, dry eyes can lead to abrasions of the cornea or corneal ulcers, a more common problem is that dry eyes can increase your chances of eye infection and inflammation.

Are dry eyes a symptom of a more serious condition?
Dry eyes may be a symptom of natural aging, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, scleroderma, vitamin A deficiency, and others.

Will drinking more water help with dry eyes?
Drinking the daily recommended amount of water and proper hydration will help your body produce a healthy volume of tears. If you try various treatments for your dry eyes like those mentioned above, eye drops, and others with no effect, you should consider scheduling an appointment at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa to have your eyes examined.

Having dry eye syndrome is more than just irritating, but it can also result in vision impairment if left untreated. If you are dealing with dry eye symptoms and have not experienced relief with OTC solutions, set up an eye exam at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. Our skilled eye care professionals in Tuscaloosa, AL frequently diagnose dry eye syndrome and can offer effective solutions to help your eyes feel more comfortable.