Gentle Care for Chronic Dry Eyes in San Jose
Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? You're not alone. Many people in San Jose face the discomfort caused by chronic dry eyes. But don't worry, we're here to help. At Image Eyecare Optometry, we understand the irritation and frustration dry eyes can cause — we've got the right solutions to bring you long-lasting relief.
Dry Eyes: What to Look Out For
Does your day begin with a sensation of dryness and scratchiness in your eyes? You may find yourself experiencing a persistent burning feeling that compels you to rub your eyes repeatedly.
Additionally, you might sense an odd foreign object in your eyes, and paradoxically, dry eyes can occasionally trigger excessive tearing, as if your eyes are attempting to compensate for the dryness.
Why Do We Get Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes happen when your tear glands fall short of the required amount of tears they should produce or when your tears disappear faster than they should. What causes this? Well, it's not just one thing:
- Growing older, especially if you're a woman over 40, can make dry eyes more likely.
- Some medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and even birth control pills can have dry eyes as a side effect.
- Living in a dry, dusty, or windy area doesn't help, nor does spending your day in an air-conditioned office.
- Blinking less, like when staring at a computer screen, can dry out your eyes.
- Systemic diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or rosacea can be culprits, as can long-term contact lens wear, incomplete eyelid closure, or issues with your tear-producing glands.
Smoking can increase your chances of experiencing dry eye, as can certain cosmetic surgeries.
Finding Relief for Dry Eyes
We can offer relief. It's all about making your life more comfortable. Our approach is simple and effective:
Think of them as a drink for your dry eyes. These eye drops can soothe dryness, scratchiness, and foreign body sensations.
We have prescriptions that do the trick for more tear production. Sometimes, a short-term steroid can bring you fast relief.
These little wonders sit inside your lower eyelid, releasing daily moisture. If you wear contact lenses, we'll guide you on which drops work best and when to use them.
An air cleaner can filter out irritants indoors, and a humidifier adds some much-needed moisture.
In severe cases, we could suggest punctal plugs to slow tear drainage, keeping your eyes moist.
Meibomian gland dysfunction? Warm compresses and in-office procedures can get those glands flowing again.
If an eyelid disease is at the root of the problem, we've got treatments, including scrubs and medicated drops.
For added protection from the elements, sunglasses are your friends. We recommend wraparound styles for the best results.
Special supplements and hydration can help, too; if medications are the cause, we'll find alternatives.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Dry Eyes? Book Your Appointment Now!
You don't have to endure dry eyes on your own. We're here in San Jose, ready to make your life more comfortable.
Don't let dry eyes hold you back — let us help you see clearly and feel your best. Book an appointment today.
