Fayetteville, AR
Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment
Fayetteville, AR
Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment
If you feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, you could be suffering from dry eye. You may also notice your eyes constantly feel gritty like there‘s sand in them. Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, can make your eyes feel very uncomfortable and even affect your vision.
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. This can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and damage to the surface of your eyes. At InVision Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Fayetteville to help you address the specific causes of your symptoms.
Common causes of dry eyes in Fayetteville
Many factors can contribute to dry eyes such as:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Blocked or dysfunctional meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of your tears, are a leading cause of dry eye.
Medications
Some medications, like antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can cause dry eye or worsen symptoms.
Environmental factors
Wind, smoke, and dry climates can cause tears to evaporate more quickly.
Extended screen time
Staring at screens can reduce blink rate, leading to dry eye.
Contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can dry out the eyes.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can affect tear production.
Age
As we age, tear production tends to decrease.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent dryness
- A burning or stinging sensation
- A gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing (a reflex to dry eye irritation)
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to visit us for a professional evaluation to prevent further discomfort and eye issues.
Diagnosing dry eye
At InVision Eye Care, we use the latest technology and techniques to accurately diagnose dry eye. During your comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Orgain will ask about your overall health, any medications you are taking, and your lifestyle to determine any contributing factors. Then he will perform tests to measure the quality and volume of your tears. Dr. Orgain will also take a close look at your cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids to help him spot any issues or inflammation.
Dry eye treatment in Fayetteville, AR
Treatment for dry eye usually depends on what’s causing your symptoms and the severity. For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears and warm compresses can help. Dr. Orgain may also recommend lifestyle changes such as using a humidifier at home and work, trying supplements, drinking more water, and taking breaks from screen time. For more severe cases, he may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops or oral antibiotics to address inflammation and infections.
Another effective treatment option is punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to help keep your eyes moist longer. This is especially helpful if your eyes don’t produce enough tears. Punctal plugs can be inserted temporarily or permanently. If temporary punctal plugs work well, we may recommend permanent punctal plugs as a long-term solution.
Visit us for dry eye treatment in Fayetteville
We know that dry eyes affect everyone differently. Our personalized approach ensures we address the root causes of your dry eye and provide treatments that work best for you. If you are struggling with chronic or severe dry eye, schedule an appointment for a dry eye exam in Fayetteville, AR today.