If you have never heard of Dry Eye disease, you might be surprised to learn that it affects millions of people across the country each year. Affecting more women than men, Dry Eye afflicts nearly 5 million people according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Should you be among those suffering from the chronic irritation and discomfort of Dry Eye disease, the good news is that we can help you here at Eye Care Solutions. Dr Patel will assess you professionally and in a friendly and caring manner. After the assessment of your condition, he will then develop a treatment plan.
What is Dry Eye?
You might think that your tear ducts are only for crying when you’re upset or when you’re really happy, but everyone’s eyes are kept moist by the fluid that the tear ducts secrete. This fluid contains special proteins, oils, and antibodies. The fluid keeps the surface of our delicate eyes lubricated so that they feel comfortable. Who knew tears did so much!
So, what’s Dry Eye? Dry Eye is a condition in which the tear ducts either aren’t making enough tears, or the tears are simply drying out too quickly to be effective. Even though the statistics for Dry Eye are weighted in favor of people over the age of 65, especially women, anyone can get it.
Here are some of the main causes of and contributors to the condition:
- Diseases, such as Herpes Zoster, autoimmune conditions, and diabetes
- Changes in estrogen levels if you are a woman
- Certain medications, including some antihistamines
- Exposure to air conditioning or dry, smoky, windy, and dusty environments
- A seasonal allergy, such as hay fever
- Looking at a computer screen for long periods of time
How does Dry Eye feel?
First of all, it’s really important that you see us at Eye Care Solutions if you think you are suffering from Dry Eye. It can be treated, and you don’t have to live with it.
So, how does it feel and how do you know when to book an appointment through our easy and convenient online portal? Here are some symptoms you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to your eyes:
- Itchy eyes that just won’t go away
- Difficulty focusing on things in front of you and a sense of cloudiness and heaviness around the eyes
- A sensation of burning or stinging in and around the eyes
- Redness of the eyes and eyelids
- Erratic tear production in which your eyes are watery one moment and then completely dry and itchy the next
- A mucus discharge from the eyes,
- An unusual sensitivity to light because the eyes are highly sensitive
Apart from the fact that Dry Eye disease is uncomfortable, it can also pose problems when you’re driving at night as you strain to see the road and other cars. In addition, neglecting to have your Dry Eye treated can lead to physical damage to the delicate structure of the eyes and the surrounding tissues, as well as infections.
Let us treat your Dry Eye.
Your eyes are incredibly important, and it’s wise to take care of them. If you have been having trouble with itchy, red, stinging, and irritated eyes lately, it’s time to see Dr Vishal Patel here at Eye Care Solutions.
When you come in to see us, Dr Patel will assess your eyes. He will ask some pertinent questions and then develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If your Dry Eye is related to seasonal allergies, he may also prescribe antihistamines to control the condition. Additional treatments may include special eye drops. If your lifestyle is contributing significantly to your Dry Eye, Dr Patel may suggest changes and modifications where applicable.
It’s important to understand that even though you may be experiencing discomfort right now, there are treatments available that can help. Let Dr Patel at Eye Care Solutions help you so that you can get on with your life.
