ChaGRin Falls, OH
Dry Eye Specialist
ChaGRin Falls, OH
Dry Eye Specialist
Are your eyes constantly dry, irritated, or gritty? You might be dealing with dry eye syndrome, a common condition that affects many people. At some point, everyone experiences that uncomfortable feeling when their eyes are too dry. However, for many people, dry eye is a chronic condition that impacts their ability to perform daily tasks. If you’re struggling with dry eyes, our dry eye specialists in Chagrin Falls, Ohio offer treatment to relieve your symptoms and get you back to feeling comfortable and seeing clearly. We know how frustrating this condition can be and are committed to helping our patients in the Chagrin Valley area find lasting relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears. It can also happen if your tears aren’t of the right quality to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. It’s more than just feeling a bit dry—it can cause real discomfort and even affect your vision. Tears are important for keeping your eyes healthy and giving you clear vision. When there’s a problem with the tear film covering the surface of your eyes, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage to your eyes.
Common dry eye symptoms in Chagrin Falls
Dry eye symptoms can vary in severity and frequency and often include:
- Grittiness or feeling like there’s sand in your eyes
- An itching or burning sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Blurry vision, especially when reading or using screens
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
- Eye fatigue or heaviness
- Stringy mucus around the eyes
- Difficulty driving at night
Common causes of dry eyes
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are tiny glands in your eyelids that produce an oily substance called meibum. This oil is a crucial component of your tears, helping to prevent evaporation and maintain moisture on the surface of the eye. However, when the meibomian glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to dry eyes.
Other causes of dry eye include:
Aging
Tear production tends to decrease as we age.
Environmental factors
Dry or windy climates, smoke, and air conditioning can increase tear evaporation.
Extended screen time
Increased screen use can cause you to blink less frequently, resulting in dry eyes.
Contact lens wear
Improper use or wearing lenses for extended periods can dry out your eyes.
Medical conditions
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eyes.
Medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can affect the quantity and quality of your tears.
How is dry eye disease diagnosed in Chagrin Falls, OH?
If your dry eye symptoms don’t get better with over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle changes, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor. They can figure out what’s going on with your eyes and help you find the best way to treat them. If you visit our office with dry eye symptoms, our optometrist will perform various tests to assess the quantity and quality of your tears. After the exam, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs to provide you with lasting relief from dryness and discomfort.
Dry eye treatment in Chagrin Falls, OH
Treatment for dry eye will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the root cause. In some cases, it is enough to use over-the-counter eye drops, also known as artificial tears. Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier in dry environments and taking frequent breaks from screens, may also help relieve mild or temporary cases of dry eyes.
For more severe cases of dry eye syndrome, we may recommend prescription eye drops to help reduce inflammation and improve tear production. Another effective treatment option is punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to help block drainage and keep moisture in your eyes.
Visit our dry eye specialists in Chagrin Falls
Dry eye syndrome may be uncomfortable, but it’s not something you have to live with. With the right treatment and professional care, you can keep your eyes feeling comfortable and refreshed. Schedule an appointment with our dry eye specialists in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and learn how you can find relief from dry eye symptoms.
