Expert Eye Care in Woodbridge for Swift Dry Eye Relief
Constant irritation, itchiness, or burning in your eyes may indicate Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. At Lake Ridge Vision Center, we effectively alleviate dry eye symptoms and enhance overall eye comfort.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry Eye Syndrome presents a range of symptoms, varying in severity from person to person. Common signs include:
- Itchy eyes
- Burning sensations
- Blurred vision
- Sore eyes
- Heavy eyes
- Aching sensation
- Red eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Eye fatigue
- Dryness
- Photophobia or light sensitivity
- Irritation
Tears play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your cornea by washing away foreign matter and ensuring a moist, smooth, and clear eye surface. Tears also contain enzymes that protect your eyes from bacterial infections.
However, DES develops when your eyes do not produce enough tears or evaporate too quickly, resulting in a scratchy sensation, a persistent feeling of dryness, stinging, and the feeling of a foreign body in your eye.
Ironically, dry eyes can lead to excessive tearing in an attempt to combat the condition, causing watery eyes in some individuals.
We Identify The Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome for Effective Treatment
Understanding the underlying causes of Dry Eye Syndrome is essential for effective treatment. These causes can include:
- Aging or hormonal changes, particularly in women experiencing pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, or menopause.
- Medications that reduce tear production include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.
- Environmental factors include dry, dusty, and windy climates, air conditioning and heating systems exposure, and extended screen time.
- Medical conditions like diabetes, blepharitis, lupus, arthritis, and thyroid problems.
- Post-eye surgery, especially after LASIK.
- Conditions where the eyelids do not close correctly.
- Extended use of contact lenses.
Tailored DES Treatment Options in Woodbridge, VA
Dry Eye Syndrome is a treatable condition, and Lake Ridge Vision Center offers a variety of treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our treatment solutions may include:
Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops can relieve mild cases by supplementing natural tear production.
Punctal Plugs
These tiny lubricating substance-releasing inserts inside the lower eyelid provide sustained relief due to their slow-release mechanism.
Eyelid Care
Addressing eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, is crucial for dry eye management. We may recommend hot compress masks and specialty eyelid scrubs.
Simple changes like avoiding dry environments, using humidifiers, and taking regular breaks from screens can contribute to overall eye comfort. Staying well-hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can also help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Prescription Eye Drops
We may prescribe eye drops or short-term steroid drops in more severe cases to stimulate tear production.
Soothing Dry Eye Relief in Woodbridge
Dry Eye Syndrome may not permanently damage your vision, but living with uncomfortable eyes is unnecessary.
Our dedicated eye care team at Lake Ridge Vision Center is committed to helping you achieve lasting comfort. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact us at 703-680-4323 to schedule your dry eye exam and take the first step toward healthy eyes.
