Why You Need to Know About Dry Eye

Eye diseases are very common in the majority of people. These diseases can be prevented through early diagnosis and timely treatment. Hell’s Kitchen dry eye helps patients with the issue of chronic dry eye. You can schedule an appointment and meet Russel Levine, MD, who will help you with medical therapies to ease the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes.

Overview of a Dry Eye

Dry eyes occur when your eyes cannot provide enough quality tears used for lubrication. This inadequacy leads to inflammation and damages the surface of the eyes. You might experience some burning or stinging in your eyes that end up making you feel uncomfortable. This leaves you with only one option of treating the dry eye.

What Are Some of the Symptoms of a Dry Eye?

In most cases, dry eyes affect both eyes, but sometimes it may affect one. These symptoms include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eye.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes.

• Eye redness.

• Eye fatigue.

• Blurred vision.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Your tear film is made up of three layers responsible for lubricating the surface of the eyes. When one of these layers has a problem, they end up causing dry eyes. Allergies, wearing of contact lenses, styles,  and Demodex mites also cause dry eyes.

What Are Some of the Complications of a Dry Eye?

If you happen to suffer from a dry eye, you may experience an eye infection. Inflammation of the eyes surfaces decreases the quality of your life. Tears act as a natural preventer of the eyes from infections. Lack of enough quality tears may lead to an eye infection. If left untreated, dry eyes may cause damage to the eye’s surface, leading to interference with your life. The clinic will recommend some of the measures that can be taken to prevent dry eye. Measures such, avoiding air blowing in your eyes, considering wearing wraparound sunglasses, being aware of your environment, positioning your computer below eye level, and many more.

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

To be able to diagnose the dry eye, Dr. Levine will conduct a proper eye exam. This will include a review of your medical history and your overall health. He will also do a Schirmer test to measure the volume and quality of your tears. Schirmer involves placing blotting strips of paper under your lower eyelids. After a few minutes, he then measures the amount of strip soaked in your tears. He might as well measure the composition of particles and water in your tears.

Treatment of the Dry Eye

The specialist at the center will determine if your dry eye symptom is mild or very serious and needs further treatment. For those with mild dry eyes, Dr. Levine will prescribe over-the-counter eye drops. If the symptoms are persistent and serious, he will have to look at the dry eye’s underlying cause and treat it. If the symptoms do not improve, he will recommend special contact lenses or treatments such as a warm compressor to unblock clogged oil glands. Book an appointment at the clinic to learn more about dry eyes.