Dry Eye Treatment
Dry Eye Treatment - Odessa, FL
At Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists we are proud to offer dry eye treatment for our patients. Ocular Surface Disease, also known as dry eye, can occur from certain medications, naturally by aging, or as a symptom arising from systemic diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. If you have a minor case of dry eye, you may be experiencing irritation, excessive tearing, fluctuating vision, and/or a burning sensation in your eyes.
Excessive dry eyes, or dry eye symptoms that go untreated, have the potential to damage eye tissue, scar your corneas, and impair your vision.
In addition to the causes listed above, many symptoms of dry eye are a result of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction which causes blockages that hinder the production of oil, which helps prevent your eyes from drying out. These oils also help protect your eyes from environmental variables that can negatively impact the health of your eyes, not to mention your comfort. Without the protection of these oils, excessive reading and television use, dry climates, and heating and air conditioning can all have adverse effects on your eye health and can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Light sensitivity
- Eye redness
- Stinging, scratchy, or burning sensation in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with driving at nighttime
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- A sensation of something being stuck in the eye
- Watery eyes (a natural response to dry or irritated eyes)
Those who are at a greater risk of developing dry eye symptoms include women, those over the age of 50, those with a vitamin A deficiency, and those who wear contact lenses or have a history of refractive surgery. Treatment options for dry eye vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. While dry eyes cannot be cured, there are various ways to soften or lessen your symptoms. Some treatment options offered to our patients are OTC eye drops, prescription eye drops, lid scrubs, and punctal plugs. During your appointment, we will discuss the treatment options that best fit your needs.
If you have any questions about dry eye treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us or call 813-926-5993
