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Why are my eyes so dry?

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Do your eyes feel dry after looking at a computer screen for several hours or when you’re sitting in an air-conditioned room? If you are experiencing a stinging or burning in your eyes, you may have dry eye. It’s a common condition and treatment is available to help you be more comfortable and prevent dry eyes from getting worse. Read on to learn more about dry eye disease and what you can do about it.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when the healthy tear film of your eyes is compromised. There are three layers in the tear film – an oily layer, watery layer and mucus layer. The film’s job is to keep the eyes lubricated, smooth and clear. If there are problems with any layer of the film, you may experience dry eye.

Inflamed eyelid glands, hormone changes, autoimmune disease can disrupt the tear film. Decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation leads to inadequate lubrication for your eyes. If you don’t produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears, this tear instability can lead to inflammation and damage the eye’s surface.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of dry eye usually affect both eyes. You may feel a burning, stinging or scratchy sensation in your eyes, watery eyes or blurred vision. A stringy mucus may be in or around the eyes. If you have redness, sensitivity to light or the sensation that there is something in your eyes, these are common signs of dry eye.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

A comprehensive eye exam, along with a number of tests can determine if you have dry eye disease and the underlying causes. For treatment, most people need over-the-counter eyedrops for mild symptoms. If you have persistent or more severe symptoms, prescription medications or procedures such as closing tear ducts or using light therapy may be indicated.

If you have dry eye, you may be able to manage this disease with frequent eyelid washing and over-the-counter eyedrops. Call (413) 782-0030 to schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.

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What to Know About True Tears

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Dry Eye Treatment Springfield, MATearing up at the right moment is a sure way to land you in the good graces of everyone around you, but tearing up for no apparent reason can be a little confusing. If you have noticed that your eyes are runny and watery all the time, then you may be suffering from an underlying condition like dry eye. Dry eye is caused when there is a decrease in tear production. And because your tears are an essential way to coat your eyes and protect them, dry eye syndrome should be taken care of. But how? Here at Papale Eye Center, we specialize in a variety of eye conditions— including dry eye— and have several treatment options that we will discuss during your initial consultation. One of the treatment options that we may suggest is called TrueTears.

What Are TrueTears?

Although treatments like artificial tears are adequate for some people, they aren’t for everyone. TrueTears work differently than artificial tears or eye drops. By using a handheld device, TrueTears work by sending small pulses of energy to signal the brain. The brain then signals the tear glands to produce tears to help lubricate the eyes. The glands around the eyes then react to this response and produce artificial tears.

How Do You Use It?

The thought of using a handheld device near your eyes is a little worrisome for some patients, but it is safe as long as you use it right. When you use it the first couple of times, it may take a little longer to find the sweet spot. To start out, insert the tip into the nose as far as comfortably possible. The goal is to make sure that TrueTear comes in contact with the bridge under the nose. Once it has been properly inserted, make sure the buttons are pointing toward your lips and face. Then you can press the buttons and start treatment.

During your initial consultation with one of our doctors at Papale Eye Center, we will go over all of your treatment options— include TrueTears—- to help you determine which option is best for you. To learn more about TrueTears or other dry eye treatments, schedule an appointment at our Springfield office today and call us at (413) 782-0030.

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