How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?
- Gritty, itchy, or stinging eyes
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eyes that feel tired or dry
- Increased light sensitivity
- Regularly using eye drops
- Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses
If so, you may have dry eye syndrome. Take our dry eye quiz to find out!
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? (DES)
Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. The result? Unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes, excessive tearing—and even eye pain. Dry eye syndrome can also increase your risk for more serious eye problems like corneal ulcers.
Without treatment or proper medication, DES can worsen over time.
First Step: Book an Appointment
You can request an appointment online or give us a call at 715-260-3829. We offer convenient hours so that you can choose a time that works well with your schedule.
Second Step: Come In For Your Dry Eye Exam
Our Waupaca eye doctors are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome. We will assess the cause of your dry eyes, and find the perfect solution to address your specific needs.
Third Step: Enjoy Comfortable Vision
From eye drops to in-office treatments, our optometrists have what it takes to make sure your eyes feel great. Pop on in and feel the difference for yourself!
What Causes Dry Eyes?
While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome. These include:
Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.
Age – there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age
Environment – dry wind, dry air and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.
Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants and blood pressure medications.
Auto-immune disorders – Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.
Here are our recommended dry eye treatments:
What Others Are Saying About Us
I went to several eye doctors over the course of 8 years with extreme eye irritation with contacts. One visit with Dr. Everts, and I was diagnosed and treated for dry eye, which completely fixed the issue. I also had my pre-surgery workup for lasik performed at this office. 5 years later, and he is the only eye doctor I trust with my eyes. I live almost an hour away and still continue to see him. The entire staff is a great group of people who treat their patients with respect and compassion. Thank you, Advanced Family Eye Care!
How do I prevent dry eye symptoms?
Many factors including allergies, hormones and the weather can cause dry eye symptoms such as dry, red, itchy and gritty-feeling eyes. Tips to prevent these symptoms include:
- Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help produce oils in your tears that slow evaporation.
- Following the ”20-20-20 rule” when working on computers or screens. This means looking away from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, at something at least 20 feet away, to give your eyes a break from the strain of working on digital screens.
- Position air vents, fans and heaters so that they don’t blow directly into your eyes, drying them out.
Do You Have More Questions About Dry Eyes? | FAQ
Is there a cure for dry eye syndrome?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for dry eye syndrome. However, there are a number of effective ways to prevent or treat symptoms. Make an appointment today with our trusted optometrists in Waupaca for evaluation and personalized treatment options.
What is the main cause of dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome commonly occurs because your eyes are not producing enough tears, or the tears being produced don’t contain the proper components to keep the eyes hydrated. An eye doctor can perform tests to determine what is causing your dry eyes, and how to treat the symptoms.
Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?
Yes. In extreme circumstances, dry eyes can result in scratches on the eye that leaves scars on the cornea. This scarring can make it difficult for the eye to focus incoming light, obscuring vision. This may eventually result in permanent vision damage or blindness if not treated properly.
