Dry Eye Syndrome in Lake Worth, FL

Nearly everyone will have dry, itchy eyes at times, but if it lingers for more than a few days or occurs repeatedly, you might have a condition known as dry eye syndrome. This common eye condition happens because of the underproduction of tears or lubrication within your tears. You may suffer from dry eye syndrome due to certain medical conditions, prescription drugs, or lifestyle factors. Tears are essential for the overall health of your eyes. So if you experience a tear production problem, it can cause severe inflammation of the eyes or problems with vision. Dry eye syndrome is nearly always caused by an underlying illness, and once we have diagnosed and treated the reason, your dry eye symptoms may be significantly reduced.

At Palm Beach Eye Center in Lake Worth, FL, our eye doctors offer several solutions for patients dealing with dry eye syndrome. During your consultation, we perform a full eye exam to properly diagnose your dry eye and provide the proper treatment. To learn more about procedures for dry eye syndrome, please contact Palm Beach Eye Center to schedule your consultation.

Dry eye treatment not only alleviates discomfort but also improves overall eye health and quality of life. Some benefits include:

• Alleviates symptoms like itchiness, irritation, and redness
• Enhances daily comfort and quality of life
• Protects the ocular surface, reducing the risk of corneal abrasions and infections
• Improves tear film stability, leading to clearer vision

Individuals who suffer from dry eye syndrome commonly experience uncomfortable symptoms, like:

• Decreased vision
• Bloodshot eyes
• Burning
• Achiness
• Heavy feeling
• Foreign body sensation when wearing contact lenses
• Light sensitivity
• Trouble driving at night

Please schedule an appointment in our office today if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. We can perform a comprehensive eye exam and craft a treatment plan that helps to improve your vision.

Though there are several factors that can cause dry eyes, aging is the primary factor. As individuals continue to age, tear production decreases, which leads to dry tear ducts. Other factors that can cause eye dryness include:

• A dry or indoor environment
• Hormonal changes that are often seen in women during pregnancy or after menopause
• Illness
• Contact lenses
• Poor blinking habits when reading or looking at a computer for a long period of time
• Certain medications, such as tranquilizers, birth control pills, or certain heart medications

Several risk factors can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. Age is a significant factor, as tear production tends to decrease with age, especially in individuals over 50. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can also increase the risk. Environmental factors, such as prolonged screen time, exposure to wind or dry climates, and air conditioning, can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, wearing contact lenses, certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants), and underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, can raise the likelihood of developing dry eye.

There are a few signs that accompany dry eye syndrome. You may be a good candidate for severe dry eye syndrome treatment if you've experienced any of the following symptoms in both of your eyes:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contacts
• Watery eyes (the body's response to irritation of the eyes)
• Blurred vision or fatigue
• Eye redness
• Difficulty with driving at night
• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

Any prolonged irritation of the above symptoms may mean that you require help for dry eye syndrome. You should see our eye specialists when you've gone through eye irritation that is a consistent problem. If you’re wondering if dry eye treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with eye specialists at Palm Beach Eye Center.

The major causes of dry eye syndrome are insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears. Dry eye syndrome may occur whenever the lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, or goblet cells become unbalanced because of hormonal changes, computer use, medical conditions like diabetes, and specific prescription medications. During your appointment, one of our Lake Worth, FL, ophthalmologist team members will perform a comprehensive eye exam to review the structures of your eye, discuss your medical history, and develop a treatment plan. Your treatment strategy may include:

• Specialized eye drops to help with tear production
• Punctal occlusion (for more severe cases) which places special plugs in your tear ducts to preserve the real tears in your eyes
• LipiFlow® to reduce pressure and unclog obstructed meibomian glands in your eye(s)

Can certain foods help with dry eye syndrome?
Yes! We recommend incorporating fish, leafy greens, chia seeds, flaxseed, beans, and more water. A mix of these items could help reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

Is dry eye syndrome permanent?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution for this condition. However, we offer several helpful treatments that can significantly decrease symptoms and protect your ocular health. These treatments include special eye drops, punctal occlusion, or LipiFlow® to unclog meibomian glands.

Can dry eyes damage your eyes?
Without the proper amount of tears, you may have an increased risk for eye infections, which could damage the surface of your eyes. When left untreated, severe dry eyes could cause inflammation, abrasion, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.

Living with dry eye syndrome is not only painful, but it can also lead to vision impairment if left untreated. If you suffer from dry eye symptoms or have tried multiple over-the-counter solutions but found no relief, a dry eye exam with our professional eye care group could provide relief. We encourage patients in our Delray Beach, FL, and Lake Worth, FL, communities to schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists at Palm Beach Eye Center. Our South Florida eye care professionals can diagnose and treat different kinds of dry eye syndrome.