DO YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF

• gritty eyes?

• red eyes?

• irritated eyes?

• blurry vision?

• sensitive eyes?

YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING DRY EYES

Dry Eye Syndrome is part of a group of conditions referred to as Ocular Surface Disease. These conditions can affect the surface of the eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids and include other conditions such as blepharitis, ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction. They can affect the quantity and the quality of your tear film. This can cause you to experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or red eyes. It can alter your glasses prescription, cause your contact lenses not to fit properly, as well as result in eye pain, eye strain or headaches.

Ocular Surface Disease conditions have their own symptoms, however, many of them include dry eyes.

The symptoms of dry eyes may also include:

• stinging or burning feeling in your eyes

• watery eyes

• dry or itching eyes

• fluctuating vision

• frequent blinking

• stringy mucus in or around your eyes

• difficulty wearing contact lenses

• difficulty driving

• crusted or sticky eyes

• sensitivity to light

• dilated blood vessels on the whites of your eyes

• styes and chalazion

We understand that having dry eyes seriously impacts your quality of life. We want to listen and we want to help.

Since inflammation in the tear film can contribute to dry eyes, the most successful treatment focuses on eliminating the cause of the inflammation. Our doctors will perform a thorough exam to determine if there are any underlying conditions worsening your dry eyes.

Some causes of Dry Eye symptoms are:

• Prolonged use of screens (computer, phones and tablets)

• Dry environments (including air-conditioned rooms)

• Poor diet

• Air pollution

• Use of eye cosmetics and false eyelashes

• Menopause

• Wearing contact lenses

• Prolonged use of systemic drugs (ex: antihistamines or other medicines; some antidepressants or blood pressure regulation)

• Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Lupus, Thyroid Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, oxygen use for Pulmonary Dysfunction or previous cataract surgery or refractive eye surgery, i.e. LASIK.

After we have determined the type and cause of your dry eyes, we will formulate a suitable treatment plan for you. Often it is necessary to do some treatments at home in between visits. Depending on the nature of your dry eye we may also prescribe a course of medication.

Dry Eyes can be a chronic condition, don't let it control your life. If you are experiencing any of these troubling eye symptoms, we encourage you to call for an appointment as soon as possible to begin your treatment plan.