What is dry eye?
Dry eye is exactly as it is named: the drying of the eyes that can result in itchy, red, and uncomfortable eyes. The most common type is that of evaporative dry eye, which is caused by a blocked of the meibomian glands that eliminate the production of oils that coat the surface of the eye and inner eyelids. This can cause natural tears to evaporate too quickly and result in the drying of the eyes. Another type of dry eye is that of aqueous deficient dry eye, during which the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough moisture to keep the eyes moist.
What are symptoms of dry eyes?
Dry eye may include any of the following concerns:
- The feeling of an object in the eye
- Gritty sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Stinging or burning
- Redness and tearing of the eyes
- Overall dryness and discomfort
- Irritation and itching
What are some treatment options for patients with dry eye?
There are many reasons why a patient might develop dry eye, so finding the cause is the first step to helping a patient determine the best treatment option for their condition. In most cases, patients can address their condition with the use of over-the-counter eye drops or eye ointments. Dr. Brian Groat may also recommend prescription drops and ointments if those more readily available fail to provide patients with relief.
Speak to the team at Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea today
Schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Brian Groat and his team in Wilmington, NC to find out if there are treatment options you can consider to address chronic dry eye. The office is located at 1915 S. 17th Street, Suite #101 and can be reached by phone at (910) 769-4590.
