Relief for Dry Eyes: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options

Everyone experiences an occasional bout of dry eyes. But for some people, dry eye syndrome is an ongoing problem that interferes with their daily routines. 

For those in and around Chicago, Illinois, help is available when you partner with Daniel Tepper, MD, and the team at Wicker Park Eye Center.

Dry eyes can happen to anyone

The human eye is a complex structure that relies on a system of interconnected parts to function. This system includes three layers of tears (oil, water, and mucus) that lubricate the surfaces of your eyes daily. 

Insufficient tears or poor-quality tears leave your eyes without this protective film that enables healthy vision. Problems can develop as a result. Your body may react to dry eyes with an inflammatory response, damaging the surface of your eyes. 

How do you know if you have dry eyes? 

Symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• Problems with nighttime driving
• Sensitivity to light
• Watering eyes
• Feeling as though something is in your eye
• Redness
• Presence of mucus in or around your eyes

An occasional day or two of dry, itchy eyes is usually nothing to worry about, but if your dry eye symptoms are ongoing, schedule a visit so we can determine the cause of the problem.

What are the primary causes of dry eyes?

Many things can cause or contribute to dry eyes, including:

• Autoimmune disease
• Seasonal eye allergies
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Thyroid disorders
• Conditions that cause you to blink less often
• Air pollutants like smoke or wind
• Problems with the curve of your eyelids
• Certain medications

Some of these factors are within your control, and others aren’t. 

Professional treatment can improve dry eyes

Your treatment path begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause of your dry eyes. If a health condition or medication is to blame, managing that condition or changing your medication might be all you need to resolve your dry eyes. 

Prescription eye drops provide additional lubrication to relieve some dry eye symptoms. A thicker, ointment-style product can keep your eyes lubricated while you sleep. Daily eye inserts dissolve slowly, bathing your eyes with lubrication. 

Some medications and treatments prompt your body to produce more tears. 

We can also use tiny medical plugs to block the tear ducts that allow tears to drain from your eyes, thereby keeping tears on the surface of your eye. Other procedures can permanently close your tear ducts. 

If the shape of your eyelids is the primary cause of dry eyes, surgery can improve their shape and help spread tears over the surface of your eyes. Prescription medications can help reduce eyelid inflammation of your cornea or eyelids. 

Begin with a personalized consultation

Sitting down with an eye health specialist is the first step to exploring dry eye treatments. When you work with Dr. Tepper, you can count on in-depth diagnostic and treatment services aligned with your needs and goals. 

Don’t let dry eyes prevent you from enjoying life when there are ways to manage and improve this common condition. To learn more about these and other innovative treatments for dry eyes, contact Wicker Park Eye Center by phone or online today to schedule a visit.