Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when our eyes do not produce tears in the volume or quality needed or the eyes drain our tears too quickly. Dry eye syndrome is most common among contact wearers, women over 50, and those with eye-related allergies or autoimmune diseases. Eyear Optical in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland, TN, can treat dry eye symptoms and help you regain visual clarity and comfort. Continue reading to learn about dry eye syndrome symptoms and ways we can treat it.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome can cause multiple uncomfortable symptoms that significantly impact your day-to-day life. While the most common symptom of dry eye syndrome is dry eyes, you can also experience a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eyes and blurry vision. Other frequent symptoms of dry eye syndrome include burning or stinging sensations in the eyes, redness, light sensitivity, and watery eyes.

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome

Our eye doctors perform a vision exam to determine if you have dry eye syndrome. Typically, they ask about your symptoms and the situations in which they occur. They commonly assess tear volume by placing a small paper strip under your eyelid for several minutes. Depending on the eye exam and tests, your eye doctor will identify the cause of your dry eyes and suggest a treatment plan.

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

Since dry eye syndrome has several causes and severity levels, your optometrist can recommend multiple treatment options. Some of the treatments you can expect for dry eye syndrome include:

•             Self-Care: We commonly treat minor cases of dry eye syndrome through self-care. Many patients get relief from nonprescription artificial tears, consistent eye washing, and avoiding smoke and wind. Other steps may be needed if the self-care treatments do not provide sufficient improvement.

•             Medications: Dry eyes respond well to prescription drops, sprays, or oral medications. Some patients gain relief from placing a slow-dissolving gel under their eyelids that releases a lubricant throughout the day.

•             Contact Lenses: Dry eyes are among the reasons some people cannot wear contact lenses. When wearing contacts, those who encounter dry eye syndrome often get relief by switching to lenses designed to trap and retain moisture.

Get Long-Lasting Dry Eye Relief Today at Eyear Optical

If you are looking for an “optical near you” to treat your dry eye symptoms and provide lasting relief, look no further than Eyear Optical in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland, TN. Our eye doctor can determine the cause of your dry eye syndrome and provide appropriate treatment to prevent significant eye and vision issues. Call us and schedule an eye exam at our Chattanooga office on Shallowford Road at (423) 499-0810, our Chattanooga office on Brainerd Road at (423) 894-2484, our Athens office at (423) 745-1702, or our Cleveland office at (423) 472-0426 to protect your eye and vision health.