Hydrate Your Eyes with Advanced Dry Eye Treatments
If you have dry, irritated, gritty eyes, you may be suffering from dry eye disease (DED). DED is often a chronic condition that can be mild and uncomfortable, or severe, causing long-term vision complications.
Millions of Americans struggle with the symptoms of DED. But the good news is that many effective treatments can provide long-lasting relief. At The Classical Eye, we offer various treatment options to help your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
Causes of Dry Eye Disease
Your tears play a vital role in maintaining the health of your eyes. They lubricate, nourish, and hydrate your cornea while protecting your eyes from debris and washing out foreign bodies. DED can develop when there’s a problem with your tears.
Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands and are spread across your eyes every time you blink. The tears drain into the puncta, small holes in the eyelids. DED can occur when:
- Your lacrimal glands don’t produce enough tears to hydrate your eyes.
- Your tears drain or evaporate too quickly.
- Your tears don’t work well enough at hydrating your eyes.
The Tear Film
The tear film is made of 3 distinct layers that each play their own part. If any one layer is out of balance, your tears can’t do their job of protecting and hydrating your eyes:
- The inner mucus (mucin) layer keeps your tears fastened to your eye’s surface.
- The watery (aqueous) middle layer keeps your eyes hydrated, repels bacteria, and protects the cornea.
- The outer oily (lipid) layer keeps the surface of tears smooth (and your vision clear) and prevents the other layers from evaporating.
Internal Causes
There are many reasons why you may develop DED. Some health conditions, like diabetes, thyroid problems, lupus, or Sjögren’s syndrome, can all affect your eye’s ability to produce tears.
You can also develop DED if your meibomian glands are obstructed or unable to produce meibum, an essential part of the tear film’s lipid layer. Your meibomian glands can be affected by meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis.
External Causes
Some external factors can also contribute to DED:
- Age: those over 50 are more likely to develop DED.
- Sex: women are more prone to developing DED.
- Medications: some medications have ocular side effects.
- Environment: windy, dry, or smoky environments can cause your tears to evaporate.
- Device use: people tend to blink less when looking at computer, smartphone, or tablet screens, which can cause dry eyes.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
DED symptoms can be uncomfortable and irritating. If you experience any of the following, call us as soon as possible:
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of something is in your eyes
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty driving at night
- Watery eyes (the body’s response to dry eye irritation)
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
Treating Dry Eye Disease
The best way to find a treatment that will provide you lasting relief is to see us for a comprehensive eye exam. Our experienced team will investigate the cause of your dry eyes so we can formulate a treatment plan specific to your unique ocular needs.
You may need a combination of treatments before you find full relief, but our team will work hard to find the solution for your problem. Some treatments include:
- Over-the-counter eye drops: Mild dry eyes can benefit from over-the-counter artificial tears. Before choosing store-bought eye drops, please talk to an eye care professional first.
- Prescription medicines: More severe dry eyes may require prescription eye drops that reduce inflammation or help your eyes produce more tears.
- Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can reduce external effects on your eyes. Using a humidifier in a dry environment or changing medications you take to treat an underlying health condition may help reduce your dry eye symptoms. Your optometrist or doctor can counsel you on these changes.
- Punctal plugs: If your dry eyes are caused by your tears draining too quickly, tiny medical devices called punctal plugs can be inserted in your tear ducts to keep your tears in your eyes.
- Warm compresses or hygiene wipes: Products are available to help clear and break up blockages in your oil glands.
You don’t have to suffer from irritating dry eye symptoms. Our team is devoted to finding you the right solution for your DED. Call us soon to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and achieve clear, comfortable vision once again!
Come See What We’re All About
We’re located on the corner of Renaissance Avenue and Towne Centre Drive in the Renaissance Towne Centre. You can easily access our parking lot from either street. We’re right next to the clock tower, so you can’t miss us!
Our Address
- 8895 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 113 - San Diego, CA 92122
Contact Information
- Phone: 858.678.3937
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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