Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when an individual’s tears doesn’t produce adequate lubrication or have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. At Oliver Opticians, we are committed to solving the problems of patients with dry eye with the most scientific and objective means. We combine the latest technology and eye care in Virginia to diagnose and treat your eye condition.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye disease or Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the occurrence of itching or burning sensations in your eyes due to the imbalance of tear film. It also shows redness, sore eyes, and other varied unpleasant symptoms and lets you experience blurring and extreme sensitivity to light. It is not only temporary. It also causes long-term eye problems such as corneal damage or visual impairment. The permanence of such issues is considered chronic eye syndrome. With such events, it is important to consult an optometrist immediately to prevent it from worsening over time.

Causes and Effects of Dry Eye

There can be many causes of dry eyes, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, medications like antihistamines, and antidepressant drugs. Other human body issues can also lead to the disease, such as gender and age. Natural occurrences and the environment are also factors.

With consistent usage of computers and mobile devices, your eyes can reduce their blinks, affecting your tear film. Individuals who have gone through cataract removal and replaced their lenses with multifocal intraocular lenses are also prone to the disease. Due to the symptoms and the disease itself, the cornea can lead to inflammation, infection, and scarring, affecting your vision, lifestyle, studies, and work.

Treatment of Dry Eye

Our eyes are one of the most important sensory organs that allow us to function well and face our daily challenges. Without proper vision, it can be difficult to complete our daily activities with ease and swiftness. The treatment for the disease is varied and can include but is not limited to:

Warm Compress
Artificial Tears or Eye Drop Usage
Manual Gland Expression
Ceiling Fan or Wind Avoidance
Work Breaks

The mentioned treatments are some of the most common remedies if your eyes dry out. However, they can also be temporary relief. If you have applied any of these, but your symptoms still occur, we recommend you to visit an optometrist.

Procedures and Medication for Dry Eye

With the intensity of your symptoms, visiting a professional eye care services provider is crucial to maintaining your vision and improving your situation. Here, at Oliver Opticians, our professionals will evaluate your issues, check your health history, and assess your lifestyle. The procedure will determine the roots and the most effective solution to your discomfort. We can either provide you with:

Omega-3 Supplementation
Oral Tetracyclines
Corticosteroids
Topical Cyclosporine
Topical Antibiotics

If you want to learn more about what we can do to address your eye issues, you can reach us at 703-567-0314.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This can result from aging, hormonal changes, environmental factors like wind or smoke, prolonged screen time, certain medications, or underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders. The tear film is made up of three layers—oil, water, and mucus—and any imbalance in these layers can cause dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Identifying the root cause is essential to managing symptoms effectively.

How do I know if I have dry eye?

Common symptoms of dry eye include redness, itching, burning, grittiness, excessive tearing (a reflex response to dryness), light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Some people may feel as though there is a foreign object in their eye. Symptoms often worsen in dry or windy environments, with prolonged screen use, or while reading for extended periods. If you experience these symptoms regularly, an eye care provider can assess your tear production and quality to determine if you have dry eye syndrome.

Can dry eye be a long-term condition?

Yes, for many people, dry eye is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. While some cases are temporary and related to environmental factors or medication use, others are linked to conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), Sjögren’s syndrome, or aging. Chronic dry eye may require lifestyle changes, artificial tears, prescription treatments, or other therapies to prevent complications such as eye infections or damage to the corneal surface. A tailored approach to treatment can help improve comfort and eye health over time.

Are there natural ways to relieve dry eye symptoms?

Several natural remedies can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts may support tear production. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and taking breaks from screen time can also help. Warm compresses and gentle eyelid massages can improve oil gland function, reducing tear evaporation. Blinking exercises may be beneficial, especially for those who spend long hours on digital devices. While these methods may provide relief, some cases require medical intervention for lasting improvement.

When should I see an eye doctor about dry eye?

If dry eye symptoms persist despite home remedies or over-the-counter lubricating drops, it may be time to see an eye doctor. Severe dryness, pain, significant redness, or changes in vision should not be ignored. An eye specialist can perform tests to evaluate tear production, tear film stability, and underlying causes. Early intervention can prevent complications, such as corneal damage or infections, and ensure appropriate treatment options are explored. Seeking professional guidance can help maintain long-term eye comfort and health.

Protect Your Eyesight Today!

Your eyesight is precious, and we’re here to protect it! Visit Oliver Opticians for expert eye care tailored just for you. Book your appointment today and experience the difference.

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