Over half the people living in the Orlando area experience the irritation of dry eyes on a regular basis. Dry eye syndrome occurs when you don’t produce enough tears or they evaporate before they are able to lubricate your eyes. Chronic lack of sufficient moisture and lubrication to the eye surface results in inflammation and irritation to the eye. Symptoms include; burning sensation, scratchiness, persistent dryness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and “foreign body sensation”, when if feels like there is something in your eye.
The cause of dry eyes are both environmental and physical including:
Autoimmune diseases, ocular rosacea, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, lups and rheumatoid arthritis
Medication side effects
Looking at a computer screen for and extended amount of time
Dehydration
Air conditioning
Aging and menopause
Long term effect of contact lens wearing
Eye lid issues
Dry eyes are not only painful, complications can also happen such as; frequent eye infections, your tears protect and clean your eyes, without sufficient tears you are at a higher risk for infections. Scaring in the eye, when left untreated inflammation and scaring on the surface of the eye can occur, leading to impaired vision and damage to the eye’s tissue.
Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. The first step in treating dry eyes, and the most important, is visit Lake Nona Eye Care to determine the cause of the dryness. Dr. Ward can help determine the cause of dry eyes through a comprehensive exam and recommend a treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops, silicone plugs inserted in the tear ducts, rewetting drops for your contact lenses, changing the brand of contact lenses, washing the tear ducts, nutritional supplements.
Contact Dr. Ward and the professional team at Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment today!