Looking for Dry Eye Care Near Cheyenne, Wyoming?
Our Dry Eye Care Specialists Can Help
Many people suffer from dry eye and the symptoms that come with it. Dry eye syndrome doesn’t necessarily mean your eyes are dry, and many people who suffer from dry eyes often experience watery eyes. Dry eye is a common condition of the eye and means something is wrong with the tear film in your eye, which is a complex combination of different layers, including water, oil, and mucus. A disruption to any of these layers can affect your eye’s ability to provide lubrication and eventually lead to dry eye.
It’s important to schedule regular eye exams so your eye doctor can look at your eyelids and the surface of your eyes. Your doctor may also measure the quality or thickness of your tears or measure how quickly your eyes produce tears. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get about dry eye. The team of highly qualified and experienced doctors at the Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgical Center provides comprehensive eye care services under the one roof right in Cheyenne, WY. From routine eye exams to the management of complex eye diseases, we’re fully equipped to handle a wide range of eye care services. Call us today!
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition of the eyes and occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when they don’t produce the right kind of tears. Other common terms used for dry eye syndrome include dry eye disease, chronic dry eye, dry eye syndrome, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
What Causes Dry Eye?
- Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, lupus, vitamin A deficiency
- Entropion (when eyelids turn in)
- Ectropion (when eyelids turn outward)
- Having refractive eye surgery like LASIK
- Looking at a computer screen too long
- Reading, driving, and other activities that reduce blinking
- Being in smoke, wind, high altitudes, or other dry climates
- Taking certain medicines such as beta-blockers, sleeping pills, antihistamines, diuretics, anxiety medications, heartburn, and antidepressant medications
- Auto-immune disorders,including Sjogren’s disease and arthritis
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye symptoms can range from dryness, irritation, and scratchiness to the feeling that grit or debris is stuck in your eye. Dry eyes can also cause light sensitivity and sensitivity to water. Additionally, you might experience a burning sensation or blurred vision. Your eyes might also have discharge, especially in the mornings when you wake up.
How Are Dry Eyes Diagnosed?
A variety of tests are used to diagnose dry eye syndrome. To test for dry eyes, your eye doctor may measure the quality or thickness of your tears or measure how quickly your eyes produce tears. If your eye doctor determines you have dry eye syndrome, they will suggest treatments based on the cause and severity of your condition.
Can Dry Eye Be Cured? What Treatments Are Available?
There is no cure for dry eye syndrome. However, treatments for dry eye may include artificial tears (over-the-counter eye drops), increasing your tears with prescription eye drops, fish oils, blocking your tear ducts, or simply treating your eyes with home remedies such as warm compresses and gently massaging your eyelids.
Your dry eye treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears are commonly used to combat age-related dryness. Environmental and work changes, changes in your medical care or contact lens usage, and treatment of the eyelid glands may also be prescribed by your eye doctor.
Is Dry Eye Dangerous?
Dry eye is not an emergency condition. However, if you don’t address the issue and experience symptoms from the dry eye on a long-term basis, you’re exposing your corneas to potential damage, including infection and scarring. If you suspect you have dry eye, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Why Choose Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgery Center?
Providing comprehensive eye care services under one roof, the highly qualified doctors and friendly staff at the Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgery Center are committed to improving patients’ sight and enhancing their lives. Conveniently located in Cheyenne, WY, we’re always welcoming new patients of all ages.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!