Dry Eye Center
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are many causes for dry eyes. The dry arid environment plays a major role here in Arizona. Other causes include:
- Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus
- Hormonal changes
- Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
- Conjunctivochalasis (excess and wrinkling of the conjunctiva)
- Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
- Looking at a computer screen for a long time
- Using contact lenses for a long time
- Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK
- Taking certain medicines, such as:
- Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
- Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
- Sleeping pills
- Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
- Heartburn medicines
What are the Symptoms?
- You feel like your eyes are stinging and burning
- Blurred vision, especially when reading or on the computer
- There is a scratchy or gritty feeling like something is in your eye.
- There are strings of mucus in or around your eyes.
- Your eyes are red or irritated. This is especially true when you are in the wind or near cigarette smoke.
- It is painful to wear contact lenses.
- You have lots of tears in your eyes.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Treatments are often step wise and depend upon the underlying causes of dryness. These treatment plans may include the use of certain eyelid cleaners, artificial tears, blocking your tear ducts with punctal plugs, and prescription eye drops or ointments.
There are also laser treatments that have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of Dry Eyes. These treatments can help improve the quality of your own natural tear film and your own natural tear production.
Let Dr. Paturi and her staff evaluate and customize the best treatment protocols to alleviate your symptoms and provide comfort and clarity to your vision.
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