Dry Eyes
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Inglewood Optometric Center
Optometry located in Inglewood, CA
Dry eyes is a chronic eye condition that occurs if you don't make enough natural tears, or if you have poor-quality tears. Itchy, burning, and uncomfortable eyes can prevent you from enjoying your normal activities, but there’s help available. Frank Scolinos, OD, and the team at Inglewood Optometric Center, located in Inglewood, California, offer the most effective dry-eye solutions today. Book your appointment online or by phone today.
Dry Eyes Q & A
What causes dry eyes?
Many factors can contribute to dry eyes, but one of the most common causes is age. Most men and women have at least some trouble with dry eyes after age 65. Women are more prone to dry eyes, especially during hormone spikes or dips, like menopause and pregnancy.
Other things that can cause, or at least contribute to, dry eyes include medication like hypertension drugs, systemic disease like diabetes, living in a dry environment, or vitamin deficiencies.
What other symptoms are associated with dry eyes?
Dry-feeling eyes are just one of the symptoms of a dry-eye condition. It also causes:
- Burning eyes
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Mucus discharge
Dry eyes can trigger watery eyes, too. But, eye-watering is just a reaction to irritation, so it doesn't relieve your symptoms.
How are dry eyes treated?
The team at Inglewood Optometric Center determines the cause of your dry eyes and then creates a personalized treatment plan. For mild dry eyes, they might recommend over-the-counter artificial tears, preferably formulas with no preservatives. If you're still fighting dry eyes after using artificial tears, the team can prescribe another treatment, such as:
Prescription eye drops
Prescription eye drops can reduce your eye inflammation and encourage you to make more natural tears. If you use prescription eye drops, consistent use is the key to getting good results. Typically, you use these drops twice a day, approximately every 12 hours.
Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are small plugs that the team places in your tear ducts. There are both permanent plugs and dissolvable temporary plugs. Punctal plugs prevent unnecessary tear loss and improve eye lubrication.
Eyewear change
Sometimes, changing your contact lenses to those made specifically for dry eyes can help. You might also benefit from switching to glasses, at least occasionally.
It’s quite unusual to require surgical intervention for dry eyes. But, if you have severe dry eyes that don’t respond to any other type of treatment, Inglewood Optometric Center can refer you to an experienced local ophthalmologist that specializes in eye surgery.
To alleviate your dry eyes now, get in touch with an optometrist who genuinely cares about your comfort. Use online appointment scheduling or call Inglewood Optometric Center now.
