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When you have dry eyes, they don’t just feel dry. They often itch, burn, and sting. At her office in Richardson, Texas, optometrist Dr. Chandra Gibbs, OD, uses various treatments to make your eyes feel better and prevent further damage. Call the office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Gibbs. You can even go online to book your appointment and move one step closer to relieving the discomfort.
Additional Info
It’s a common condition that occurs for a variety of reasons, including inadequate or poor-quality tears.
The natural aging process can also cause dry eyes, and it’s especially common during menopause. Antihistamines can lead to dry eyes, as can Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, and collagen vascular diseases. Other causes can be due to eye surgery including LASIK, certain conditions in which the eyelids don’t close properly or extended contact lens use.
Sometimes the condition results from outside influences, like heaters, air conditioners, or spending too much time in front of a computer screen.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
When you have dry eyes, you may feel as if you have something in your eye, or have a gritty sensation in one or both eyes. Your eyes may burn, sting, or itch. They may appear red and slightly inflamed. Dry eyes can also lead to blurry vision and light sensitivity.
As a result, your eyes may produce too much fluid. Called reflex tearing, this occurs when your dry eyes lead to irritation that sends a signal to your brain for your eye to increase its lubrication.
These tears may wash away any debris in your eye, but they don’t have the lubrication quality needed to help with dry eyes.
How are dry eyes diagnosed?
Typically, dry eye disease can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam and a description of your symptoms. Dr. Gibbs might decide to run tests that measure how quickly your tears evaporate from the surface of your eye. These are called Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer tests.
How are dry eyes treated?
Certain targeted therapies can help stimulate the glands that produce tears, although sometimes the drainage system of the eye needs to be corrected.
In the meantime, artificial tears and other over-the-counter products can ease the symptoms. Dr. Gibbs recommends trying a few types to see which works best for you. When your eyes dry out at night, opt for a dry eye moisturizing ointment.
If you have chronic dry eyes, use artificial tears regularly, even when your eyes don’t feel dry. Dr. Gibbs may also suggest a procedure that allows tears to drain from your eyes.
Stop suffering from dry eyes. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chandra Gibbs or book your consultation online today.