Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment in North Charleston
Tears are essential for healthy eyes and vision.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) doesn't just cause discomfort; it disrupts your day and dims the brightness of your world. This common condition, resulting from insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leaves your eyes itchy, red, and often in pain due to a lack of necessary moisture and lubrication. But there's hope on the horizon.
At Lesslie Vision Care in North Charleston, we provide cutting-edge solutions for those battling dry eye syndrome. Under the expert care of Dr. Lesslie, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to restore comfort and clarity to your vision. Schedule a consultation with us today and step into a brighter, more comfortable world.
Understanding What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome
Tears are more than just water—they're a complex blend of water, enzymes, proteins, lipids, and mucins. This unique combination does wonders for your eyes, keeping them lubricated and protecting them from dust and foreign particles that could cause irritation.
Dry eye can set in when your body doesn't produce enough of these high-quality drops, or when they evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling uncomfortable and dry.
What are Common Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most frequent dry eye symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Burning sensation
- Gritty feeling
- Itchy eyes
- Redness
- Stinging
- Soreness
- Watery eyes
- Mucus around the eyes
Although it sounds ironic, watery eyes can signal dry eye syndrome. When your eyes are dry, your body tries to compensate by producing more tears. Unfortunately, these tears often don't have enough water, offering only short-lived relief. This condition, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), might seem like your eyes are getting plenty of moisture, but it's not the healthy kind they need.
Who is at Risk for Developing Dry Eye Syndrome?
Like other diseases and eye conditions, some people are more susceptible to developing DES. Age, gender, medical conditions, and even the environment can contribute to sensitivity to dry eyes.
Medical Conditions
Patients with any of the following diseases may be predisposed to DES:
- Arthritis - inflammation of the joints.
- Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelid, usually caused by skin conditions such as dandruff or rosacea.
- Diabetes - a condition causing high blood glucose levels.
- Glaucoma - a disease of the optic nerve which causes vision loss.
- Hypertension - high blood pressure in the arteries.
- Lupus - a chronic autoimmune disease that causes damage to healthy tissue.
- Thyroid Disorder - when the tissues that surround the eyes become swollen or inflamed.
- Vitamin A Deficiency - when there is insufficient Vitamin A, which normally helps protect the cornea.
Environmental Factors
People living in areas with heavy winds or dusty or dry air may find their eyes often dry. Being around smoke or hair dryers can cause the same reaction. Being in direct aim of a heater or air conditioning unit can also dry out the eyes.
Gender
Women are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome (DES) due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control, and menopause. In fact, women over 50 have a 50% higher risk of DES compared to men their age. Plus, women often seek medical advice sooner than men, leading to more frequent diagnoses.
Age
According to the National Eye Institute, the risk of experiencing DES increases with age. That’s because the natural tears of the eye decrease over time, which is a natural part of aging. As the patient’s tear production diminishes, signs of dry eye increase.
Find Comfort with Our Dry Eye Solutions at Lesslie Vision Care
We tailor dry eye treatments to fit your unique needs. Options range from simple artificial tears for instant relief to prescription drops that boost your tear production. For immediate comfort, we might suggest steroid drops.
For those facing more severe dry eye, punctal plugs offer a long-lasting solution by keeping natural moisture in your eyes. Another innovative option is scleral lenses—these special contacts bathe your eyes in a continuous layer of moisture, ensuring all-day comfort. Discover the right solution for you and enjoy the clear, comfortable vision you deserve.
Experience Relief with iLux: Revolutionary Dry Eye Treatment
Transform your dry eye care with iLux—an innovative, handheld solution that offers instant relief. iLux targets the root cause of dry eye by combining heat and gentle massaging to unblock your meibomian glands, allowing oils to flow smoothly into your tear film.
Depending on your specific needs and comfort levels, your doctor can adjust the heat and pressure, ensuring a personalized treatment experience.
An iLux session is swift and efficient, lasting 8 to 12 minutes with no downtime. Step back into your day immediately following your session, feeling refreshed and relieved.
Medications and Dry Eye
All medications include warnings of possible side effects that some patients may experience. Certain categories of medications are known to decrease natural tear production, such as:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Anxiety medications
- Birth control pills
- Blood pressure medication
- Decongestants
If you are taking any of these medications and experiencing any symptoms of DES, speak with Dr. Lesslie about some alternative medications or treatments for relief.
The Effects of Dry Eye Syndrome
In some cases of severe or chronic dry eye syndrome, long-term effects can include:
- Corneal abrasions or ulcers
- Long-term inflammation
- Vision impairment
Untreated corneal abrasions can escalate, but they usually heal independently. We offer prescription creams or bandage contact lenses for tougher cases for swift healing.
Book Your Dry Eye Consultation in North Charleston
Dry eye syndrome can significantly affect your daily life, making you sensitive to light and complicating tasks like driving. These challenges can diminish your quality of life and reduce your productivity. Let us help you overcome these hurdles and restore comfort and clarity to your vision.
If you suffer from DES and are ready for a solution, contact Dr. Lesslie and the staff at Lesslie Vision Care. We are here to help you experience better vision today.