Dry Eyes

When occasional scratchy eyes turn into an ongoing struggle with irritated eyes and blurry vision, chances are you have dry eyes. Experienced optometrists and the team at Vistasite Eye Care in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York, determine the cause of your dry eyes and begin the treatment you need to get relief and restore healthy eyes. To schedule an appointment, call the New York City office or request an appointment online today.

What causes dry eyes?

Your tears are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Every time you blink, the movement pulls your tears over your eye, creating a covering that lubricates your eyes, delivers oxygen and nutrients, and protects your eyes from dust and germs.

If your body doesn’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly, you develop dry eyes. You can end up with dry eyes for numerous reasons, including:

• Eye allergies
• Eyelid inflammation
• Oil gland dysfunction
• Wearing contact lenses too long
• Looking at electronics for a prolonged time
• Exposure to smoke, wind, or a dry environment
• Autoimmune diseases (Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) 

Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and medicines for high blood pressure, can also reduce tear production. 

What symptoms develop if I have dry eyes?

If you have dry eyes, you experience:

• Stinging and burning eyes
• Scratchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Tired eyes
• Strings of mucus in your eyes

Even though your eyes are dry, they may become watery. Your eyes respond to the irritation by producing more tears. 

Can dry eyes cause complications?

If you have a severe case of dry eyes and don’t get treatment, you can develop more severe eye problems. Without the lubrication and nourishment provided by tears, you’re at risk of developing inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and vision problems.

How are dry eyes treated?

The Vistasite Eye Care team offers comprehensive care for dry eyes, including: 

Treating the underlying condition

Dry eyes often occur when oil-producing glands in your eyelids get blocked. As a result, your tears don’t get that oil, and they evaporate too quickly. Using warm compresses and gently massaging your eyes often loosens the blockage and restores your tears. 

Adding tears

A mild case of dry eyes may only need eye drops containing artificial tears. 

Increasing tear production

Your provider may prescribe eye drops containing medication that increases your tear production. They may also recommend taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements. 

Conserving tears

As a last resort, your Vistasite Eye Care provider can block the ducts that let tears leave your eyes. They may insert a removable plug or permanently close the duct.

If you need relief from dry, irritated eyes, call Vistasite Eye Care or book an appointment online today.