Lincoln Square Eyecare
Eye Care located in Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL
Dry eyes is a chronic eye condition that occurs if you don't make enough natural tears, or if you have poor-quality tears. Itchy, burning, and uncomfortable eyes can prevent you from enjoying your normal activities, but there’s help available. Lincoln Square Eyecare optometrist Mariam Ethezaz, OD, serves the Ravenswood and Lincoln Square neighborhoods in Chicago, offering the most effective dry-eye solutions today. Book your appointment online or by phone today.
Dry-feeling eyes are just one of the symptoms of a dry-eye condition. It also causes:
Dry eyes can trigger watery eyes, too. But, eye-watering is just a reaction to irritation, so it doesn't relieve your symptoms.
Many different factors can contribute to dry eye, but one of the most common causes is age. Most men and women have at least some trouble with dry eyes after age 65. Women are more prone to dry eyes, especially during hormone spikes or dips, like menopause and pregnancy.
Other things that can cause, or at least contribute to, dry eyes include medication like hypertension drugs, systemic disease like diabetes, living in a dry environment, or vitamin deficiencies.
Dr. Ethezaz determines the cause of your dry eyes and then creates a personalized treatment plan. For mild dry eyes, Dr. Ethezaz might recommend over-the-counter artificial tears, preferably formulas with no preservatives. If you're still fighting dry eyes after using artificial tears, Dr. Ethezaz can prescribe another treatment, such as:
Prescription eye drops can reduce your eye inflammation and encourage you to make more natural tears. If you use prescription eye drops, consistent use is the key to getting good results. Typically, you use these drops twice a day, approximately every 12 hours.
Punctal plugs are small plugs that Dr. Ethezaz places in your tear ducts. There are both permanent plugs and dissolvable temporary plugs. Punctal plugs prevent unnecessary tear loss and improve eye lubrication.
Sometimes, changing your contact lenses to those made specifically for dry eyes can help. You might also benefit from switching to glasses, at least occasionally.
It’s quite unusual to require surgical intervention for dry eyes. But, if you have severe dry eyes that don’t respond to any other type of treatment, Dr. Ethezaz can refer you to an experienced local ophthalmologist that specializes in eye surgery.
To end your dry eyes now, get in touch with an optometrist who genuinely cares about your comfort. Use online appointment scheduling or call Dr. Ethezaz at Lincoln Square Eyecare now.
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