How Do You Permanently Treat Dry Eyes?

The eyes have glands to produce moisture that helps with lubrication. The glands produce a mixture of oil, water, and mucus, creating a tear film on the surface of the eye. The tear film is essential for proper vision and for protecting the eye surface. 

Blinking reapplies a fresh wet surface over the eyes. Many people suffer from dry eyes. This is a condition that occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears. It also happens when the tears produced are of poor quality. Some things can help treat dry eyes.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that is common among the elderly. The aging process slows down tear production. Reduced tear quantity and quality results in dry eyes. There are other factors apart from aging that result in dry eyes. The condition can be a side effect of some medications. 

It can also be due to medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eyes can also be caused by environmental factors like dust and smoke, eye surgery, and contact lens wear. Using computers for a long time can also cause dry eyes.

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

Failing to treat dry eyes can result in discomfort, and it can also lead to infections or scarred corneas. If you have dry eyes, visiting an eye doctor will help ensure that you get the right treatment. 

Some people find relief by using some simple home remedies, but some require medical treatment. The need for treatment will depend on how severe the condition is. It is important to get a proper diagnosis for dry eyes.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

Most people with mild or occasional dry eyes can benefit from over-the-counter eye drops. For those with more persistent or severe dry eyes, additional treatment is required. The cause of the dry eyes will determine what you should do. 

Some of the treatments focus on managing or reversing the condition that is causing the dry eyes. Some treatments can help improve the quality of tears or stop them from draining too fast. 

Treating the Underlying Cause 

Treating health conditions that cause dry eyes can help reduce dry eye symptoms. If dry eyes are a result of a particular medication, changing to different medications can help treat the condition. If the dry eyes are due to an eyelid condition, such as eyelids turned outwards, the doctor may recommend plastic surgery. Treating the underlying cause can help permanently treat the dry eye condition. 

Choosing Treatment Options 

Several options can help treat dry eyes. Some medications include eye drops and drugs to reduce inflammation of the eyelids. There are also eye inserts that are used as artificial tears and tear-stimulating drugs. 

Some procedures can help treat dry eyes. The doctor may suggest closing the tear ducts to reduce tear loss, using special contacts, or unblocking the oil glands. Intense pulsed light therapy can also be used. Knowing the root cause of the condition will help ensure that you get the best treatment. 

For more on treating dry eyes, visit Hunter Family Vision at our office in Leawood or Prairie Village, Kansas. You can call (913) 681-8555 or (913) 381-2323 today to schedule an appointment. For after-hours urgent care, call (913) 204-0239.