Dry Eye in Rhode Island

Everyone experiences dry, itchy eyes sometimes, but people with dry eye syndrome deal with these symptoms very frequently or for extra-long periods of time. Dry eye syndrome is very common and is a result of the eyes’ inability to self-lubricate with enough tears. Eye health is dependent on tears to a large degree, and their absence can cause a lot of discomfort and even blurred vision. Dry eye syndrome is usually caused by an underlying condition, and once this condition is diagnosed and treated, the symptoms can be significantly reduced.

To learn more about dry eye syndrome, contact a Koch Eye Associates facility in Wakefield, Woonsocket, North Kingstown, and Warwick, RI today. We will schedule an appointment for you with one of our dry eye specialists.

Dry eye syndrome can cause blurry vision and red, itchy, burning eyes. It can also cause light sensitivity and a feeling of heaviness or soreness in the eyes. Often, dry eye can cause the body to trigger an overproduction of tears to try to compensate for the condition. Many patients feel like they have dust or dirt in their eyes or experience pain when wearing contact lenses, and many have problems driving at night. None of these symptoms would significantly affect daily life when experienced one at a time, but dry eye syndrome is the chronic combination of several or all of them. This can lead to frustrating problems in daily functions and activities.

The cause of dry eye is very simple: decreased tear production. The first step to relieving dry eye is determining the underlying cause of the decrease in tears. Menopause, smoking, aging, and staring at computer or mobile device screens for too long are a few of the simpler causes. There are also medical-related causes, including Vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorder, and diabetes, as well as some medications.

Some patients can find relief from milder dry eye with over-the-counter artificial tears, which are used to supplement your decreased tears. Prescription eye drops or ointments for discomfort, inflammation, and redness are available if the OTC drops don’t help. Some patients have more severe or advanced dry eye and might require plugs to be placed inside the tear ducts, which helps the eyes maintain their natural tears longer. We also offer Tear Care as an advanced dry eye treatment. After your eye exam at Koch Eye Associates, one of our expert team members will tailor a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your dry eye and your symptoms.

The Koch Eye Associates skilled team of optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to diagnose and manage the full range of eye conditions, both common and rare. If you have been struggling with your dry eye symptoms and trying to treat them with OTC remedies, schedule an exam at one of our Rhode Island facilities. Our goal is to always make sure you have your clearest vision and most optimal eye health.