Moisture imbalances cause dry eyes, and our eyes rely on tears to provide this moisture, which is composed of:

  • Water
  • Oil
  • Mucus
  • Antibodies
  • Special proteins

If any one of these components is missing or diminished, dry eyes can ensue. In severe cases, the dryness leads to compromised corneas, which can result in poor vision and pain. If severe dry eye continues, untreated, exposure keratitis can develop and result in extreme pain.

Causes

  • Natural aging process
  • Menopause
  • Medication side effects such as antihistamines and birth control pills
  • Diseases that affect tear-making, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), and collagen vascular diseases
  • Structural problems with the eyelid that do not allow it to close properly

Symptoms

  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Gritty sensation or feeling of sand in the eyes
  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision

Management

In most cases, a combination of treatments may be needed to manage the symptoms. Some of the options we offer at Insight Complete Eye Care include:

  • Artificial tears and ointments
  • Punctal plugs
  • Anti-inflammatory drops (Restasis, Xiidra and Cequa)
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene
  • Steroid eye drops
  • Bandage contact lenses
  • Scleral contact lenses with Hydra-PEG coating

You don’t have to suffer from severe dry eyes. At Insight Complete Eye Care, we want all our patients to see comfortably and clearly. We are confident we can find a solution for your unique eye needs. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call or text our office at (214) 739-8611 and a friendly member of our staff will happily assist you!