Dry Eye

Treatment for Dry Eye in Tooele, Utah

Our eyes are constantly exposed to the air, and because their membranes are so delicately sensitive, prolonged exposure to elements that are present in the air could make them vulnerable to irritation and could pose a significant risk of damage. Naturally, our bodies come equipped with metabolic ways to maintain its balance and, to prevent dry eyes, a constant thin film of tears covers our eyes to prevent them from drying out. Dry eyes is a condition characterized by irritation that stems primarily from the degradation of the conjunctiva and the cornea, leading to stinging and itching sensations, and even impaired vision in the more progressive stages. The experts at the Griffeth Vision Group are renowned for their expertise in the field of ophthalmology and have helped patients with dry eyes syndrome recover from the condition.

What are Dry Eyes?

Our eyes are coated with a natural thin film of tears, and in this layer that is responsible for keeping the eyes from drying out and protects them from being potentially damaged due to their constant exposure to the dust, wind, humidity, and other environmental factors. Dry eyes occur if the patient is not producing enough tears, or is producing only inadequate tears, that are not able to properly lubricate the eyes and protect them against the harsh irritants in the environment.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes is a condition primarily characterized by the presence of degradation on the patient’s cornea or conjunctiva. When patients have dry eyes, it is normal to experience irritation on the conjunctiva or feeling a slight stinging, burning or itching sensation. When left untreated, dry eyes could rapidly escalate to cause impaired vision.

Dry eyes are usually caused by the inability of the patient to produce enough tears to properly lubricate the eye. This could happen if the lacrymal glands are impaired and cannot physically produce the necessary amount of tears and has been noted to occur in increased frequency as a patient ages, if the patient is suffering from an underlying medical condition, or if the patient is undergoing a treatment regimen and decreased tear production is one of the side effects of his medication.
Producing tears of an inadequate quality can also lead to the occurrence of dry eyes. To be able to function properly, the tears that mostly comprised of three significant layers–the water layer, the oil layer, and the mucin later. If any one of these layers are missing or insufficient, the patient’s tears will not be able to protect the eyes and this will lead to the development of dry eyes.

Why should patients consider treatment for dry eyes?

Aside from the obvious discomfort and irritation that comes with experiencing dry eyes, it is always best to seek medical attention for conditions involving the eyes because they are highly sensitive and will react immediately to any form of irritant. Leaving dry eyes untreated will lead to more serious complications and potentially long-lasting effects. Doctors from the Griffeth Vision Group recommended that patientsget treated as soon as the symptoms arise during the initial stages of the disease. Identifying and treating the symptoms earlier on is guaranteed to minimize discomfort and alleviate the pain associated to dry eyes. A treatment regimen may be built around the underlying cause of the condition, although the primary aim of dry eye therapy is to keep the eyes moist and lubricated.

How are dry eyes treated?

Getting immediate treatment for dry eyes will give the patient comfort from the effects of the condition by reducing the occurrence of scarring and degradation on the surface of the eye and decreasing the risk of further eye infection. Prophylactic treatment will also reduce the possibility of impaired vision. Doctors will usually determine if there are any underlying conditions that are aggravating the disease so that a treatment regimen can be mapped out based on that.

Treatments for dry eyes may include the discontinuation of a drug being taken by the patient if it is found that his dry eyes are a result of an adverse drug reaction.
An anatomical abnormality such as small eyelids or difficulty in blinking may cause dry eyes and patients will be referred to an oculoplastic surgeon to correct the anomaly.
Meditations that stimulate lubrication of the eye will be prescribed to manage the symptoms of dry eyes.

What about recovery?