Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dealing with dry eye? Don't let its seemingly innocuous name fool you – it can lead to significant discomfort and even impact your vision. At Dr. C. Vision Care, serving Pensacola, Lillian, Perdido Key, Elberta, and the surrounding regions, we're here to provide comprehensive dry eye treatment that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes. 

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes lack sufficient moisture to stay comfortable and healthy. Beyond the inconvenience of constant discomfort, dry eye can make wearing contact lenses a struggle and even affect tasks like driving at night. Although vision issues from dry eye are relatively rare, the discomfort can still significantly impact your quality of life.

Recognizing dry eye symptoms:
    • Stringy mucus in the eyes
    • Stinging or burning sensations
    • Irritation and itchiness
    • Feeling like something is scratching your eye
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Blurred vision
    • Eye fatigue

Exploring the Causes

A variety of factors can contribute to dry eye, with age being a primary factor. As we get older, our tear ducts produce fewer fluids, making dry eye more common. Hormonal changes, medications, and certain health conditions like lupus can also play a role. In some cases, dry eye can result from inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, as well as rapid tear evaporation.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Diagnosing dry eye doesn't always require extensive testing. Sharing your symptoms during a regular eye exam can often lead to a diagnosis. However, in specific situations, our optometrist might recommend assessing your tears' composition.

Treatment options encompass a range of approaches, such as:
    • Hydrating eye drops
    • Insertion of tear duct plugs
    • Medications that stimulate tear production
    • Anti-inflammatory medications
    • Lifestyle adjustments

Contact Dr. C. Vision Care in Pensacola, FL

Don't let dry eye hold you back from a comfortable and clear-eyed life. At Dr. C. Vision Care, we specialize in addressing dry eye concerns and enhancing your overall eye health. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam or dedicated dry eye treatment, our experienced optometrist is here to provide tailored care. Reach out to us at 850-456-2019 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards relief and improved eye comfort. With our help, you can regain the clear, comfortable vision you deserve.