Dry Eye Syndrome in Chesterfield, MO

Most people will experience dry, red, or irritated eyes at some point in their lives, but when these symptoms linger and occur frequently, you may have a condition called dry eye syndrome. This condition may be caused by a disruption in the production of the eyes' lubricating tears. This results in eye discomfort and blurry vision. Sufficient and effective tear production is essential to the health of your eyes, protecting the eyes from abrasion and infection. If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, then contact the vision professionals at West County Ophthalmology in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MO to learn more about the treatment options available to you.

While dry eye syndrome can be uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with, there's more to it than that. It can hinder you from enjoying certain activities or being able to get everything done that you need to. At West County Ophthalmology, we know dry eyes can make daily life difficult, which is why we want to help. Some benefits of dry eye treatment include:

• Reduce eye discomfort
• Reduce blurred vision
• Prevent damage to the eye(s)
• Minimize fatigue of the eye
• Better sleep
• More ease completing daily tasks
• Ensure proper tear production

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. This can happen when the tear glands do not function properly or if there is an imbalance in the components of the tear film. The lack of sufficient moisture in the eyes can cause symptoms such as dryness, burning, stinging, redness, and a feeling of something foreign in the eye. This condition can affect the eye’s ability to stay lubricated, leading to further irritation and potential damage to the surface of the eye if left untreated.

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary from person to person. There are a few common signs of dry eye, however. Some of those symptoms include:

• Itchy or burning eyes
• Blurry vision
• The feeling of sand in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Swollen eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a common concern affecting millions of patients nationwide. Certain risk factors can increase your risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Some factors that may increase your chances include:

• Age
• Certain lymphatic disorders
• Hormonal changes
• Vitamin deficiencies
• High blood pressure
• Diabetics

The first step we will take in your treatment is to determine if your symptoms are from dry eye syndrome. This is done by performing a comprehensive eye exam. Some infections can mimic the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, so it is important to rule out any other conditions before diagnosing dry eye. Dry eye syndrome has several possible causes, such as certain diseases, blepharitis, entropion, ectropion, using contacts, living in a dry climate, and more. The most effective treatment option depends on the underlying cause. Some factors which put patients at an elevated risk for dry eye syndrome include diabetes, eye surgery, use of contact lenses, and Sjögren's syndrome. Generally, minimally invasive treatment options such as medications or eye drops will be tried before more invasive treatments, like punctal occlusion.

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?
While you can wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome, it may exacerbate your symptoms. However, special contact lenses are available that are designed for dry eyes specifically. Combined with a contact lens solution that has artificial tears may also be beneficial if you'd like to wear contacts when you have dry eye syndrome.

Is dry eye syndrome permanent?
Dry eye syndrome symptoms can be long-lasting, but the condition is generally not permanent, and dry eye relief is possible. Dry eye treatment in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MA can help reduce your symptoms.

Can dry eye syndrome damage my eyes permanently?
Severe dry eye syndrome may lead to eye infections, inflammation, and more if left untreated; however, this is generally pretty rare.

Dry, irritated eyes are not just an annoying discomfort. Tear production is essential to protecting your delicate eye structures, and dry eyes are more susceptible to infection and damage. When left untreated, dry eye syndrome could be seriously detrimental to your eye health and even result in vision loss. If you have noticed persistent dry eye symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter eye drops, then please contact West County Ophthalmology to learn more about the treatment options available to you.