When to Seek Professional Help for Dry Eyes: Warning Signs and Treatment Options

It is time to take action if you wake up with sandy, stinging eyes daily or struggle with blurry vision. Dry eyes happen when tear production and quality fall short. Tears keep the surface of the eye lubricated. They also wash away particles and debris. With an insufficient tear layer, the eyes dry out faster, leading to irritation and vision issues.
 

Several factors can hamper tear production and cause chronic dry eyes. These include:
 

·      Aging

·      Certain diseases

·      Some medications

·      Environmental factors like pollution or dry air

·      Staring at digital screens excessively
 

Symptoms Indicating That Professional Help Is Necessary

Consult an eye specialist if you experience any of the following:
 

·      Constant stinging

·      Burning or irritation

·      The need to use drops more than four times daily

·      Discomfort severe enough to disrupt work, reading, driving, or other tasks

·      Redness, swelling, crusting, or pain in or around the eyes

·      Issues with wearing contact lenses

·      Vision changes

·      Recurrent eye infections or styes

Comprehensive Dry Eye Examination 

Your eye care provider will want to know your symptoms, medical history, and medications. They will also inquire about environmental exposures and digital device usage. A comprehensive eye exam assessing tear production and eye health follows. The evaluation may include several steps.
 

A slit lamp exam will check for eye surface damage. The eye doctor will also measure your tear volume and quality. An eye pressure test and ocular surface staining will reveal areas of damage. 
 

Treatment Options 

Artificial Tears 

Prescription eyedrops, gels, and ointments can supplement natural tears. Some contain oils and lipids to help tears spread evenly and cling longer to moisturize eyes. Others contain compounds to add viscosity for added lubrication. Most are preservative-free for sensitive eyes.
 

Punctal Plugs 

The eye doctor inserts tiny silicone or collagen plugs into the drainage ducts of your eyelids. These plugs can help prevent rapid tear drainage. They keep more of your natural tears in your eyes. Plugs are removable if needed.
 

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medication 

This medication can help if an eye doctor confirms inflammation causes dry, sore eyes. Cyclosporine calms an immune response that is overly fired up. Lifitegrast blocks proteins that trigger swelling and irritation. 
 

So, for some people, these meds allow their eyes to make the most of any extra artificial tears. But the drops alone do not produce more moisture or fully treat all cases. You still need a check-up to know if they can alleviate your symptoms. You will likely need more than the anti-inflammatory drugs.
 

In-Office Treatments 

While our office doesn't offer these services currently, some quick office treatments give dry eye relief for months. The doctor uses a special lamp to improve the oil glands' work with light pulses. A Lipiflow device also helps. It applies warm pressure to open blocked glands that make tear oils.

Surgery

If office treatments don’t address severe dry eye, surgery could help. One option is sealing the tear drainage ducts with an electric needle, keeping more natural tears on the eye longer and relieving your symptoms. 
 

Lifestyle Changes 

Besides medical treatment, making certain lifestyle adjustments can alleviate symptoms. For example, blink more while on the computer and use lubricating drops. Use a humidifier at home to prevent dry air. 
 

Wear wraparound glasses outside to protect your eyes from the wind. Limit alcohol, antihistamines, decongestants, and other drugs that worsen dryness. Finally, stay hydrated and increase omega-3s in your diet, which fight inflammation.
 

Seeing an eye doctor is very important if dry eyes complicate your life. An eye doctor can test your tear production to determine why it is low or of poor quality. They know the best treatments to match the cause. 
 

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Crystal View Optometry at our offices in Elk Grove or Grass Valley, California. Call (916) 681-1101 or (530) 272-2238 to book an appointment today.
 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye