Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms and Treatment from Our Clemson, SC, Optometrist

Dry eye syndrome can be very uncomfortable and irritating to deal with. Fortunately, you don’t have to just sit and suffer. Our team at Family Vision – Clemson explains what dry eye syndrome is, how to know if you have it, and how to treat it.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not get enough moisture or retain the moisture that they produce. Healthy tears are made up of an oily layer, a watery layer, and a layer of mucus. When we blink, we spread these layers over the eyes to keep them moisturized. Without the appropriate amount of each layer, dry eye symptoms occur.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

If you have dry eye, you’ll likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Red or irritated eyes
• Blurry vision
• Feeling like something gritty is in the eye
• Scratchy feeling
• Excessive watering of the eyes
• Burning or stinging
• Mucus strings around the eyes
• Eye pain, especially when wearing contacts

How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome

One of the main types of treatment for dry eye syndrome is to add moisture to your eyes with artificial tears. You can use over the counter (OTC) artificial tears or your eye doctor can provide a prescription if you need more than the OTC options can give you.

In some cases, your eye doctor might recommend punctal plugs. These are plugs that block the tear ducts, meaning that they stay in your eyes longer and provide natural moisture.

There are also various steps you can take at home to provide dry eye relief. These include using a humidifier, protecting your eyes from windy weather by wearing sunglasses, massaging your eyelids, adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, and staying out of direct heat. Your eye doctor can recommend additional steps and treatment techniques as needed. Additionally, you should make your regular vision exams with an optometrist near me a priority, as these can uncover any factors or conditions that contribute to your dry eye symptoms.

One of the main types of treatment for dry eye syndrome is to add moisture to your eyes with artificial tears. You can use over the counter (OTC) artificial tears or your eye doctor can provide a prescription strength eyedrop if you need more than the OTC options can give you.

A second type of therapy is to intervene to help your eyes produce better quality tears. This can be accomplished at home through a heat mask over the eyes followed by massage of the eyelids. Even more effective is in office heat and light therapy sessions with the Equinox low light level therapy using red and infrared light.

In some cases, your eye doctor might recommend punctal plugs. These are plugs that block the tear ducts, meaning that they stay in your eyes longer and provide natural moisture.

Find Dry Eye Relief with Help from Our Clemson, SC, Optometrist

From annual vision exams to relief from dry eye symptoms, our team at Family Vision – Clemson is here for you. Call (864) 722-9205 to schedule an appointment today. If you’re not in our service area, search for “optometrist near me” for a local eye care provider.