Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment in Central PA

All of us will experience dry, irritated eyes at one time or another, but if the sensation lingers for more than a few days or occurs repeatedly, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. This incredibly common condition is the result of a lack of tears or oils within the tears, which is often caused by an underlying illness, certain kinds of medications, or behavioral factors. Human tears are vital to the overall health of the eyes so if they are not present, it can lead to severe discomfort and blurry, distorted vision. Dry eye syndrome is almost always caused by an undetected issue. Once this issue is discovered and managed, the dry eye symptoms can be greatly reduced.

Our highly trained ophthalmologists and optometrists offer several innovative treatment options for individuals in Central PA experiencing problems caused by dry eye syndrome. We will give you a complete eye examination to accurately assess your dry eye symptoms and find out if there is any other concern present. To find out more about treatments for dry eye syndrome, call The Eye Center of Central PA and arrange your consultation.

Individuals who develop dry eye syndrome commonly deal with problems that affect their vision by causing bloodshot, scratchy, burning eyes. Many people feel like they have sand in their eyes or experience pain when wearing contact lenses, and several patients who have dry eyes also tell us that their eyeballs feel heavy and sore. At times, the eyes can also become sensitive to light. Patients may also notice issues with night vision. In contrast to how its name sounds, dry eye can occasionally cause an overproduction of tears in an attempt to alleviate the dryness. Dry eye syndrome involves the long-term experience of some or all of these symptoms and usually makes performing daily activities a struggle.

The two primary triggers of dry eye syndrome are insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears, and there are specific types of dry eye syndrome, depending on which component is being affected. The creation process of tears has three vital components: lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and goblet cells. The lacrimal glands, which make up the lacrimal system that regulates tear production, are responsible for the tears. Meanwhile, the meibomian glands are responsible for the tears’ lubrication. The goblet cells mix these two processes together. Dry eye syndrome may develop whenever any one of these three aspects of tear generation goes awry. Numerous different things can alter each of these components, such as menopause, aging, medical conditions like Vitamin A deficiency, and specific prescription medications.

Additionally, patients who have a nasolacrimal duct obstruction may experience watery, irritated eyes because their tears cannot drain normally. This issue is nearly always treatable with various treatment options, depending on your age and the cause of your blockage.

The best way to find out if you have dry eye syndrome is to receive a comprehensive eye exam. Along with asking about your symptoms, we will review your medical history to determine any underlying causes for your dry eyes. Your thorough eye exam might consist of measuring the amount of your tear production, the biological makeup of your tears, and a routine examination of your eyes, eyelids, and corneas utilizing a tiny light and magnification lenses. If we determine that you indeed have dry eye syndrome, we will create a customized treatment plan suited to your unique situation.

Your personalized dry eye treatment will depend on the underlying condition causing your dry eyes. After a comprehensive exam and a review of any past conditions, we will effectively determine which treatment best suits your particular needs. A large number of patients with mild cases of dry eye syndrome may experience significantly reduced discomfort with prescription or over-the-counter eye drops. These solutions can increase your natural tear production and provide additional lubrication.

If your condition is more extreme, tiny plugs can be put in your tear ducts (known as punctal occlusion) to block them and retain the real tears in the eye. At The Eye Center of Central PA, we also offer innovative dry eye treatment utilizing amniotic membrane contact lenses. During your appointment, we will explain all of your options in detail and help you determine which will provide you with the most relief.

Dealing with dry eye syndrome is more than just uncomfortable. This condition can also lead to blurred, distorted vision if left untreated. If you have been experiencing dry eye symptoms and haven't found relief with over-the-counter medications, schedule an eye exam at one of our Central PA facilities. The skilled group of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals at The Eye Center of Central PA can diagnose and treat multiple kinds of dry eye syndrome.