Dry Eyes, Red Eyes & Allergies Specialist
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Pine Vision Care
Optometrists & LASIK Consultation located in Philadelphia, PA & Newtown Square, PA
Dry eyes can be a frustratingly persistent ocular issue, but our doctors at Pine Vision Care in Philadelphia understand that it’s a multifactorial disease that requires a customized treatment approach. Count on them for the dry eye relief that you need, long-term. Use the online appointment maker to schedule your dry eyes appointment now, or call the office today.
Dry Eyes, Red Eyes & Allergies Q & A
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, often just called dry eyes, causes a lack of tear film in your eyes. Your tear film includes layers of oil, water, and mucus. When you blink, your tear film covers your eye, lubricating your eyes and helping with clear vision.
Because your tear film is so important for eye health and clear vision, a lack of that tear film can cause considerable irritation.
Dry eyes are the main problem with dry eye syndrome, but other issues, including all of the following, may occur as well:
- Red eyes
- Pain or discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Gritty-feeling eyes
Watery eyes can also be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. Although it may sound strange that dry eyes could cause tears, the tears aren't genuine healthy tear film but are just an involuntary reaction of poor-quality tears.
Why does dry eye syndrome happen?
There are many different causes of dry eyes, and there are often multiple reasons if you develop dry eye syndrome. Some of the causes include:
- Blepharitis
- Extended contact lens wear
- Entropion (inward-turning eyelids)
- Ectropion (outward-turning eyelids)
- Chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Medications including antihistamines, blood pressure medicine, and sleeping medication
- Extended screen time on computers or devices
Because your natural tear film depletes as you age, you're more likely to develop dry eye syndrome in your middle age or senior years.
What is the treatment for dry eye?
Our doctors treat dry eye syndrome according to your symptoms. Some of the different treatment options include:
- Moist heat therapy: warm compresses at home
- Prescription eye drops: prescription eye drops add quality artificial tears or help you make more tears
- Supplements: omega-3 fatty acids, usually taken in pill form, can relieve your symptoms naturally
If you don't have significant symptom relief from prescription eye drops, home care, or supplements, our doctors may recommend punctal plugs.
Punctal plugs are small plugs made from soft silicone. The doctor inserts the punctal plugs in your tear ducts, and this prevents you from losing your healthy tear film. There are two types of punctal plugs, permanent ones that our doctors can remove later, and dissolvable ones that dissipate naturally over time.
With their help, you can beat dry eye symptoms. Use the online appointment maker 24/7, or call Pine Vision Care to schedule your appointment for dry eye help today.
