Refresh Your Dry Eyes With Advanced Dry Eye Therapy
Dry eyes are a common problem that occurs when there’s an issue with your tear production or tear quality. They can be uncomfortable and irritating. Treatments can make you more comfortable and are available for occasional and chronic dry eye symptoms.
If severe and chronic dry eyes are left untreated, they may lead to complications like eye infections, inflammation, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss.
Causes of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eyes are ultimately caused by a problem with your tears. Although seemingly inconsequential, your tears play an essential role in maintaining your eye health and comfort. They even help you see!
When your tears can’t do their job, you can develop dry eyes. This can happen if:
- Your tear glands don’t make enough tears
- Your tears evaporate too quickly
- Your tears don’t work well enough to nourish your eyes
The Tear Film
Your tears are surprisingly complex. If one little thing is off with them, you can experience eye discomfort.
The tear film spreads across the surface of your eyes every time you blink and is made of 3 distinct but equally important layers:
- The Mucin Layer: This inner layer is composed of mucus that’s produced in the conjunctiva. This mucus helps the tear film stick to the eye’s surface.
- The Aqueous Layer: This middle layer is composed almost entirely of water. It’s responsible for keeping the eye clean, washing away particles, and hydrating the eye tissues. It’s produced in the lacrimal glands.
- The Lipid Layer: This outer, oily layer keeps your tears smooth and prevents them from evaporating too quickly. It’s produced in the meibomian glands.
Dry Eye Causes
Any number of things can affect your tear production or quality. Health conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome have all been linked to dry eyes. Conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction can obstruct your meibomian glands and prevent them from producing the oily layer of the tear film.
Other factors like your age, sex, environment, or digital device use can also make you more likely to develop dry eyes. The best option for figuring out the cause of your dry eyes is to see your optometrist for a proper and thorough diagnosis.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eyes come with several irritating and uncomfortable symptoms. If you experience any of the following issues, please call us as soon as possible so we can investigate:
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy eyes
- Blurred vision, especially while reading
- A sensation that something is in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Excessive tearing
Treating Dry Eye Disease
There are many treatment options available for dry eyes, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective treatment depends on the cause and severity of your dry eyes. In some cases, you may need a combination of options to find complete relief.
Some available treatments include:
- Over-the-counter eye drops: Mild dry eyes can be effectively managed with artificial tears you can buy from the pharmacy. Our team can advise you on the best ones for your eyes.
- Prescription medicines: Prescription eye drops range from reducing inflammation to stimulating tear production.
- Lifestyle changes: If you live in a dry climate, using a humidifier may help your dry eyes. If you’re on medications with ocular side effects, ask your doctor about changing them. If you have a health condition that affects your eyes, treating this condition may lessen your dry eye symptoms. Your optometrist or doctor can counsel you on these changes.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny plugs placed in your tear ducts prevent your tears from draining too quickly. These plugs are temporary and can be removed in-clinic at any point.
Dry eyes are irritating and can be painful, but you don’t have to live with them. Contact our Total Vision Sports Arena team any time if you suspect you have dry eyes. Our optometrists are experienced and knowledgeable about dry eye causes and will work with you to design a treatment plan that works.
Our Location
We’re conveniently located off Sports Arena Boulevard, right next door to Phil’s BBQ in the Midway District. There’s tons of parking and an accessible stall right in front of our door. Same day appointments available! Welcoming new patients.
Our Address
- 3750 Sports Arena Blvd.,
Suite 9 - San Diego, CA 92110
Contact Information
- Phone: 619.224.2879
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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Total Vision Sports Arena
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3750 Sports Arena Blvd.,
Suite 9 - San Diego, CA 92110
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P: 619.224.2879
[email protected]