Newtown

(215) 860-9001

Richboro

(215) 485-5384

936 Second Street Pike Richboro, PA 18954, USA

Top Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition where you either don't produce enough of your own natural tears, or the tears that you do produce are of poor quality. The symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Itchy, stinging, or burning sensations in your eyes
  • The feeling that you have a foreign object in your eye
  • Red eyes
  • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Halos around lights
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye fatigue

What Are the Causes Of Dry Eye?

There are several reasons why you may be suffering from dry eye. Some of the causes occur naturally while others are due to another medical condition.

Aging: As you age, your eyes produce fewer tears. As women get older, their hormone levels change. This can also cause dry eye.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can reduce the number of tears that your eyes produce. These conditions include diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, thyroid disorders, Sjogren's syndrome, and vitamin A deficiency.

Medication: Certain medications can cause your eyes to produce fewer tears. Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, drugs for high blood pressure, acne medication, hormone replacement therapy, and birth control can cause dry eye.

Laser eye surgery: If you have had any type of laser eye surgery, it can cause dry eye.

Tear gland damage: If your tear glands have become damaged due to inflammation or radiation treatments, it can result in dry eye.

Complications of Dry Eye Syndrome

Without proper treatment for this condition, it is possible that you will suffer from complications. These include:

Eye infections: Your tears protect the surface of your eye from infection. If you aren't making enough tears to properly protect your eyes, you are at risk of developing an infection.

Damage to the surface of your eye: Without the proper treatment, dry eye can cause inflammation or corneal abrasion. It can also cause corneal ulcers and problems with your vision.

How Is Dry Eye Treated?

There are a few treatment options for dry eye syndrome. The treatment that your optometrist chooses would depend on the severity of your condition.

Artificial tears: Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eye. One or two drops in each eye as needed often abates the symptoms of dry eye.

Prescription medication: If your condition is more serious and artificial tears aren't effective, your eye doctor may prescribe a medication that will help you produce more natural tears.

Punctal plugs: In severe cases of dry eye, your eye doctor will implant a temporary plug designed to block the drainage from your tear ducts relieving the symptoms.

Lipiflow: LipiFlow utilizes Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology and a patented algorithm of precise heat that is applied to the inner eyelids with directed gentle massage to remove blockages from the meibomian glands. This treatment is designed to restore the natural oil flow to the tear film that covers the eye’s surface.

Call EYECARE For You Today!

If you are suffering from dry eye symptoms, you should make an appointment with EYECARE For You. Dr. Joyce sees patients in Richboro, Newtown, and surrounding areas. Our doctor of optometry can evaluate your condition and create the best treatment plan possible.

Hours of Operation

Richboro Office

Monday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Richboro Office

Monday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wednesday
11:00 am-7:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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