Dry Eye Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Each time you blink, the movement spreads a film of tears that lubricates and nourishes your eye. You develop dry eyes when you don’t have enough tears, or when their quality is poor.Tears consist of an oily layer that prevents tears from evaporating, a watery layer that lubricates, and a mucus layer that spreads the tear film. Your tears must contain the right amount of all three to prevent dry eyes.
Causes for Dry Eye
Dry eyes can arise from a number of causes, including:
Eye conditionsBlocked Meibomian glands and problems with the lacrimal glands are the top causes of dry eyes. Inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis and blepharitis can also be responsible.
Medical conditionsHealth conditions like allergies, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus may cause dry eyes.
MedicationsA long list of medications can lead to dry eyes, including antihistamines, blood pressure medications, decongestants, and Parkinson’s medications.
Too much screen timeMost people don’t blink as often when they watch TV or spend time at the computer, which leads to dry eyes.
Environmental conditionsYou can develop dry eyes from a dry, dusty, or windy climate, dry air from air conditioning, or warm air from heating.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
When you have dry eyes, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
● Pain● Itching● Burning or stinging● Light sensitivity● Eye fatigue● Blurry vision● A gritty or scratchy feeling● A feeling like something is in your eye
Dry eyes can also produce a symptom you may not expect: excessive tearing. You can have dry eyes yet temporarily develop watery eyes when irritation triggers the release of tears.
How are dry eyes treated?
The doctors at UltraVision create a customized treatment plan for each patient, based on the underlying cause of their dry eyes and the severity of their condition. Your plan may include one or more of the following:● Nutritional supplements: essential fatty acids (linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids) and flaxseed oil.● Artificial tears: eye drops are often the first line of treatment for dry eyes.● Temporary punctal occlusion: dissolvable plugs that stop tears from draining.● Permanent punctal occlusion: permanent silicone plugs inserted if dissolvable plugs have been successful.● Restasis®: prescription eye drops that increase tear production.● Other medications: such as topical steroids.● Eye shields or goggles: protect your eyes from environmental conditions.