alleviate discomfort
Dry Eye
alleviate discomfort
Dry Eye
Diagnosis and Treatment for Dry Eye
If you feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, you could be suffering from dry eye. Identifying the root cause of your dry eye is crucial to getting the treatment you need to relieve discomfort. At SIGHT in West Hartford and Farmington, our skilled eye care professionals have the expertise and technology to properly diagnose and treat dry eye.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears provide moisture to help keep the eyes lubricated. When this essential layer of protection is disrupted, it can cause significant discomfort and reduce clarity in vision.
What causes dry eye?
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is an inflammatory disorder of the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which secrete oils that coat your tears to prevent them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or clogged, it causes dry eye syndrome.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Aging: As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears.
- Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders
- Certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants
- Exposure to dry air, wind, and smoke
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause
- Long-term contact lens wear
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
The most obvious symptom of dry eye syndrome is a burning sensation in the eyes. Other symptoms include:
- Stinging or itching eyes
- A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye pain or redness
- Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes
- Fluctuating vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your optometrist.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye exam at SIGHT in West Hartford or Farmington, our eye doctor will perform a series of tests to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Tests may include evaluating your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition. After the exam, your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Dry Eye Products
View our favorite products here
How do you treat dry eye syndrome?
Treatment for dry eye depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This could involve lifestyle changes such as avoiding air conditioning or allergens that trigger symptoms as well as using lubricating drops throughout the day. Prescription medications may also be used depending on the severity and diagnosis. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce inflammation in the tear glands or increase tear production to relieve symptoms. Our optometrist can help you decide which treatment option is best based on your individual needs.
What is OptiLight by Lumenis, and how can it help?
Our eye professionals at SIGHT offer a revolutionary new treatment for dry eye syndrome called OptiLight. OptiLight by Lumenis is a non-invasive, pain-free dry eye treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to treat dry eye syndrome due to meibomian gland dysfunction. By gently heating and stimulating the meibomian glands, OptiLight can help to unclog them and increase the production of healthy tears, providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
OptiLight treatment is quick, painless, and requires no downtime. The treatment session typically lasts around 10–15 minutes, and you can resume your daily activities immediately afterward. OptiLight is a safe and effective treatment for dry eye syndrome, and it is suitable for people of all ages. Contact us today to schedule an exam and learn more about how OptiLight can help improve your eye health and overall quality of life.
Schedule an appointment at SIGHT
With proper care from an experienced professional, dry eye syndrome can be managed effectively so that you can enjoy comfortable vision. If you suffer from dry eye, our experts are here to help you determine the underlying cause and find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at our office in West Hartford or Farmington today.