Do you experience a burning sensation in your eyes in windy or dry conditions? Are you unable to participate in your favorite outdoor activities because of eye discomfort or sensitivity to light? You may have dry eyes. Experienced optometrist Michele Levy, OD, FAAO, at Eye Care Greenwich in Greenwich, Connecticut, offers innovative treatment for dry eyes to alleviate your symptoms and improve eye health. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Dry eyes is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to adequately lubricate your eyes. You may develop dry eyes if you don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly.
Many glands located in and around your eyes produce tears. Tear production decreases as you get older. Certain medical conditions and medications may also interfere with tear production.
Your tears contain a combination of water, oil, and mucus, which work together to lubricate and nourish your eyes.
An imbalance in one or more of the components that make up your tears may increase the rate of tear evaporation, also known as evaporative dry eyes.
Blocked meibomian glands in the eyelid may affect the oil content in your tears. This is a common cause of evaporative dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes vary, but usually affect both eyes. Common symptoms include:
Your dry eyes may also make it difficult for you to wear your contact lenses.
Dr. Levy recommends you schedule an appointment for dry eyes if you have these symptoms.
Dr. Levy conducts a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose dry eyes.
During your exam, she reviews your symptoms, medical history, and the types of medications you take. She also asks specific questions about lifestyle and environmental factors that may contribute to your dry eyes.
Dr. Levy then examines your eye, including your eyelids and cornea, and evaluates your blinking mechanism.
Eye Care Greenwich is a state-of-the-art optometry practice and Dr. Levy uses innovative tools to evaluate the quantity and quality of your tears to determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes.
Dr. Levy creates custom treatment plans for dry eyes based on the severity of your symptoms and underlying cause. Treatment options for dry eyes may include:
To treat evaporative dry eyes, Dr. Levy offers LipiFlow®. During the in-office treatment, she directs energy near your blocked meibomian glands. The energy unblocks the gland to improve tear quality.
Call Eye Care Greenwich or book an appointment online to schedule your dry eyes consultation today.