Dry Eyes Specialist

What’s dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, often just called dry eyes, is an ocular problem that develops when you don't make enough tears, or when your tears drain too fast. You need continual tear presence to create a tear film. Your tear film is crucial for eye moisturization and lubrication. Without it, you're left with dry eyes as well as other irritating problems.

What’re the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

The most obvious symptom of dry eye syndrome is chronic dry eyes, but most sufferers also have many other problems, too. Common symptoms include:

• Burning eyes
• Stinging eyes
• Blurry vision
• Bloodshot or red eyes
• Stringy mucus discharge
• Discomfort or pain that makes it impossible to wear contacts

You might think that you can't have dry eye syndrome if you often have watery eyes or even frequent eye flooding. But that's actually a common problem for dry eye syndrome sufferers.

The excess tears are just your eyes trying to clean themselves in reaction to the dryness, but these tears are almost all water and lack the components needed to moisturize and lubricate your eyes properly.

How’s dry eye syndrome treated?

Dr. Garrana offers a wide variety of treatments for dry eye syndrome at Advanced Lasik, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. Some of the options include:

Environmental changes

Environmental changes include using a humidifier in your home, not smoking, and wearing eye protection like wrap-around sunglasses when you're in dry or windy environments.

Artificial tears

For mild-to-moderate dry eyes, Dr. Garrana often recommends artificial tears. She can recommend an over-the-counter artificial tear solution that gives you a quality tear film.

Prescriptions

For severe or chronic dry eye syndrome, Dr. Garrana can prescribe a medication like Restasis® or Xiidra®. These medications work by relieving inflammation, which can help increase your natural tear production.

Surgery

There are a couple of options for conserving tears through surgery. Punctal plugs go into your tear ducts to close them off, preventing too-rapid drainage. Collagen punctal plugs dissolve naturally over time, while silicone plugs are permanent. Another option for conserving your own natural tears is tear duct cauterization.

Dr. Garrana will recommend a dry eyes treatment that alleviates your symptoms so you can reclaim comfortable vision.

Dry eye syndrome relief is yours for the taking. Use online scheduling or call the office of Advanced Lasik nearest you to make your appointment with Dr. Garrana now.