DRY EYE
Dry Eye Treatment in Union NJ
If burning, blurry, gritty, red or watery eyes are bothering you, dry eye may be a possible cause. Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides dry eye treatment in Union, NJ.
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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Dry Eye Treatment | Insurance Accepted | Union, NJ
What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms to Look For
Dry eye can develop when your eyes do not produce enough tears, when tears dry out too quickly, or when the tears do not have the right balance of components. These changes can leave your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable.
Burning or stinging
Blurry vision
Scratchy or gritty feeling
Red or irritated eyes
Mucus around the eyes
Excessive watering
Dry eyes can also make contact lenses uncomfortable. Symptoms may be more noticeable around cigarette smoke or in windy conditions.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eyes can develop for different reasons. Changes in tear production, certain health conditions, environmental factors and some medications can all contribute.
Age and hormone changes
Certain diseases
Blepharitis
Smoke, wind or dry climates
Activities that reduce blinking
Certain medications
When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye?
Consider an eye examination if burning, stinging, blurry vision, redness, watering or a gritty sensation continues to bother you. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes and evaluate whether dry eye may be contributing to your symptoms.
Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist about prescription and nonprescription medicines you take because certain medications can contribute to dry eye.
How Do Tears Keep Your Eyes Comfortable?
Your tear film does more than make your eyes feel wet. It creates a protective surface made up of different components that work together. Dry eye symptoms can develop when the eye does not produce enough tears or when this tear film is disrupted.
Controlling Evaporation
Oil produced by glands in the eyelids helps create a smooth tear surface and slows the loss of moisture through evaporation.
Providing Moisture
The watery portion makes up most of the tear film. It supplies moisture to the eye's surface while helping clear away small particles.
Spreading Tears Across the Eye
Mucus helps tears spread across and remain on the eye's surface, allowing moisture to coat the eye more evenly.
Together, these components help maintain a comfortable, well-lubricated eye surface.
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed and Treated?
Dry eye treatment depends on what is contributing to your symptoms. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes and discuss treatment options based on the findings.
Diagnosis
A dry eye evaluation may include:
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Examining your eyelids
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Examining the eye's surface
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Looking at how you blink
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Measuring tear production
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Evaluating tear quality and thickness
Dry Eye Treatment Options
An ophthalmologist may recommend:
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Artificial tears
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Prescription eye drops
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Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
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Warm compresses and eyelid care
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Treatment for problems causing irritation
An ophthalmologist may also discuss surgery to permanently close the tear drainage system.
Living With Dry Eye
Your surroundings and daily habits can affect dry eye symptoms. Dry indoor air can be especially noticeable during colder months, so increasing indoor humidity may help some people. Limiting exposure to cigarette smoke, excessive indoor heat and drying wind may also reduce irritation. Eyewear that provides coverage around the eyes can offer additional protection outdoors in windy conditions.
Regular eye exams can also help your ophthalmologist check for changes in your eyes and vision.
Important to Know
Some artificial tears contain preservatives that may become irritating when the drops are used frequently. If you need artificial tears often or have an allergy to preservatives, ask your ophthalmologist whether a preservative-free option may be more appropriate.
Dry Eye Care in Union, NJ
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides dry eye treatment for patients in Union and surrounding New Jersey communities. Dr. James E. Haberman, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified ophthalmologist and graduate of New York Medical College. If dry eye symptoms are bothering you, schedule an appointment for an eye evaluation and to discuss treatment options that may be appropriate for you.