Dry eyes can make your life miserable, affect your vision and even damage your eyesight permanently. The causes, symptoms and treatments for this (literally) irritating phenomenon can cause their share of confusion. It’s important that you understand what factors may be behind your chronic case of dry eye so you can take the proper steps to combat it. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on the subject, courtesy of our Carmel optometrists, Dr. Ciano and Dr. Schuetz, at RevolutionEYES™.
Our Carmel and Fishers Optometrists Answers FAQ about Dry Eye
- Why do my eyes need to be “wet” anyway? The tear film produced by your tear glands does more than just hydrate the eyes; it also adds a layer of lubrication and protection to keep your eyes safe against foreign bodies, germs and toxins of various kinds.
- What is tear film made of? Tear film consists of three components: a layer of water, a layer of mucus and a layer of lipids (oils). These three layers blend together into a film that is distributed across your eye surface every time you blink.
- Why are my eyes dry? Not blinking frequently enough (a common problem for computer users) is one cause. Others include allergies, bacteria, ceiling fans or other environmental drying agents, medications, tear gland problems or simply the effects of aging.
- What are the symptoms of dry eye? Redness, pain, itchiness and a “foreign body” sensation in the eye are all telltale symptoms. You may also have “gunk” in your eyes that temporarily obscures your vision.
- How can dry eye cause permanent eye damage? An unprotected cornea can suffer from scratches, ulcerations and infections, possibly leading to permanent vision loss.
- How do our optometrists in Carmel and Fishers diagnose dry eye? Our optometrists, Dr. Ciano and Dr. Schuetz, run tests to determine how much tear film you’re producing and whether the various ingredients are present in the right balance. We also take your medical history to note contributing factors such as age, medications and medical conditions.
- What other forms of dry eye treatment do you offer for patients in the Carmel and Fishers area? Our dry eye treatment often includes recommendations for adjusting medication (with your doctor’s approval), lid scrubs to keep the eyelids clean, and changes in your lifestyle or workplace practices.
Contact Our Carmel and Fishers Optometrists for Dry Eye Treatment Today!
Get more answers from the dry eye experts. Call our Carmel office at (317) 844-2020 or our Fishers office at (317) 790-2015.