Chronic dry eye, also known as Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Eye physicians commonly hear complaints from patients regarding dry or irritated eyes. Dr. Brian Groat of Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea often finds that dry eye is becoming increasingly common because of the way we live our lives, including hours spent in front of computer monitors, tablets, smartphones, and televisions.
What causes chronic dry eye?
Dry eye is often a result of the eye not producing enough tears, or producing tears that of good quality. Every time we blink, our eyes are supposed to stay lubricated with the natural tears. But if our eyes are not producing enough tears or are producing low quality tears, it can result in discomfort from sandy, dry, and irritated eyes. Not only is this uncomfortable on its own, but wearing contact lenses can also contribute to the discomfort of the eyes, resulting in redness.
Why are tears important?
Tears play a vital role in protecting the eyeball while delivering nutrients to the surface of the eye. At the same time, they keep the eye clean and lubricate the eyelids. In fact, contact lenses rest on the tear film on the eyeball, not on the eyeball itself, which is why patients with dry eyes often experience severe discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
What is the best treatment for chronic dry eye?
To determine a possible treatment for your dry eye condition, your first step is booking an appointment with Dr. Brian Groat of Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea. He can provide a thorough evaluation of your eyes to determine the problem most responsible for dry eyes. Then, once a diagnosis has been made, he will discuss with you the options available. Below are just a few of the solutions that might be used to treat chronic dry eye syndrome:
- Eye drops (artificial tears)
- Punctual plugs
- Eye health vitamins and supplements
- Prescription drops such as Restasis to increase tear production
Are you struggling with managing dry eye?
Don’t let dry eye impact your everyday life. Connect with Dr. Brian Groat and his team at Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea of Wilmington, NC to speak to our team about the advantages of working with a professional to manage your condition. The office is located at 1915 South 17th Street, Suite #101 and can be reached by phone at (910) 769-4590.
