Contact an Optometrist for Help with Dry Eyes

Contact an Optometrist for Help with Dry Eyes

  • By:Dr. Katie Dugan

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable to live with and could disrupt your daily activities. However, there are many reasons why your eyes are feeling dry, which is why it makes sense to talk to an eye doctor about the cause and potential treatment options.

If you want to resolve your dry eyes and start feeling better, it’s essential to understand why you are experiencing these symptoms. Then, you can make a few lifestyle changes to improve your eye moisture levels and reduce the symptoms.

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

It’s normal and natural for your eyes to have a thin layer of tears to maintain lubrication. These tears spread across the eye surface when you blink and help to keep debris and infection away.

There are several reasons why you might be experiencing dry eyes:

  • Age can be a factor since the eyes tend to produce less fluid over time
  • Too many hours staring at a computer or phone screen
  • Environmental elements, like air conditioning or wind
  • Overconsumption of alcohol or caffeine
  • Improper use or overuse of contact lenses
  • Side effects from certain medications
  • Hormone changes, such as pregnancy hormones for women

If you have dry eyes, not only do they feel like there isn’t enough lubrication, but you might also experience other symptoms: excessive eye watering, blurred vision, a feeling of grittiness, and more.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Minor dry eye symptoms can be simple to resolve using eye drops. But if the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to talk to an eye doctor to get to the root of the problem. An eye specialist not only looks at your natural tear production but can also evaluate the quality of your tears.

Once we identify a diagnosis for dry eyes, we can find the ideal customized treatment plan to help you feel better. For example, you might benefit from over-the-counter or prescription eye drops. Or, we can talk about lifestyle changes – such as addressing allergy symptoms that are contributing to dry eyes.

More in-depth treatments might be needed in severe cases, such as plugs in the tear duct openings. But this outpatient procedure is a final option if other treatments aren’t working.

Talk to the Eyecare Specialists

For more information about treating dry eyes and other eye diseases, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment. Contact Temecula Creek Optometry when you need to meet with an eye doctor for a checkup or any other reason. We are here to help: (951) 302 -1331.

Posted in: Eye Health