Chronic Dry Eye Treatment
If you suffer from frequent eye irritation, redness, itching, or burning eyes, dry eye syndrome could be the culprit. More than 16 million Americans suffer from dry eyes, but the good news is, you don’t have to live with the constant discomfort. If dry eye symptoms are preventing you from enjoying common activities, the dry eye specialists at CVP Physicians Dayton are here to help.
What Causes Dry Eye and Why Treat It at CVP?
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears that are produced are poor quality. Tears, the natural lubricant for the eyes, are made up of three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer.
Each of these layers has a distinct purpose when it comes to lubricating our eyes, keeping them clean and healthy. A lack of tears or a problem with any one of these tear layers can cause chronic dry eye.
At CVP Physicians Dayton, our dry eye specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating chronic dry eye. Whether your symptoms are caused by environmental factors, age, existing eye or medical conditions, or lifestyle habits, CVP can help you determine the best way to find relief.
Dry Eye Disease Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to chronic issues that interfere with day-to-day life. Symptoms, which vary and may occur in one or both eyes, include:
- Stinging or burning
- Itching
- A feeling of grittiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyes that water frequently
- Feeling like there is something in your eyes
- Redness
- Mucus in or around the eyes
- Struggling with vision while driving at night
- Difficulty wearing contacts
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred vision
How CVP Physicians Dayton Treats Chronic Dry Eye Disease
The eye doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton specialize in a full range of dry eye treatments that have been clinically proven to reduce the discomfort of dry eye symptoms. Our dry eye treatment plans are customized for each patient to provide relief from immediate symptoms while also caring for your long-term eye health and vision.
Prescriptions for Dry Eye
For those struggling with dry eye symptoms but looking for over-the-counter relief, CVP Physicians Dayton offers prescription eye drops like RESTASIS® and Xiidra®, helping to lubricate the eye’s surface while reducing inflammation. They can help your body produce natural tears to keep your eyes healthy, moist, and comfortable. Prescription eye drops made with corticosteroids may also be used to treat irritation, pain, and redness of chronic dry eyes. These steroid eye drops are often used in conjunction with artificial tears or RESTASIS® and Xiidra® to help relieve severe, short-term issues before longer term approaches can be pursued.
A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, found in nuts and fish, and vitamin A, which is found in carrots and broccoli, can also support healthy eyes and reduce the likelihood of dry eye symptoms. Oral supplements of Omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended to improve the quality of tears and calm inflammation of the eyelids.
LipiFlow®
LipiFlow is an innovative treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of dry eye disease. Our doctors will examine your tear film quality and meibomian glands to determine if this may be one of the causes of your dry eye. This automated system delivers gentle warmth and therapeutic pressure to the eyelids, effectively liquefying and expressing the obstructed oils, improving the tear film quality and providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
Surgical Treatments for Dry Eye
If non-invasive treatments prove ineffective, CVP Physicians Dayton offers a few surgical procedures to ensure you find relief.
- Tear Duct Plugs: Also known as punctal plugs, these small devices are inserted into the inner corners of your eyelids to prevent existing tears from leaving the eyes as quickly.
- Serum Tears: For severe cases of dry eye syndrome, a serum from your own blood is combined with artificial tears to produce serum tears that can counteract the autoimmune factors that cause dry eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Dry Eye
Is there a cure for chronic dry eye disease?
While there is no permanent cure for dry eye, the eye doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton have the expertise to treat dry eye disease and are passionate about finding ways to manage your symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes and over-the-counter solutions can help you avoid discomfort and improve your quality of life.
If my eyes are too watery, why was I diagnosed with dry eye syndrome?
It may seem counterintuitive that watery eyes are a symptom of dry eye syndrome, but excessive tearing or watery eyes are often a sign that your body is overcompensating for the dryness or reacting to the irritation of dry eyes.
Is dry eye syndrome a serious problem?
The severity of dry eyes can vary greatly, but if left untreated, dry eyes can lead to serious vision issues. Chronic dry eyes can result in eye infections, corneal abrasions, and loss of vision. If you are experiencing severe and lasting dry eye symptoms, visit your local CVP Physicians Dayton location to get treatment and avoid long-term complications.
How do I know which dry eye treatment is right for me?
At CVP Physicians Dayton, we take the time to assess your eyes, discuss your symptoms, and explain your treatment options. With your input and our expertise, we create a personalized dry eye care plan that ensures you find relief from discomfort. Treating dry eye symptoms sooner rather than later can improve your eye health and protect your eyes from damage. Contact us today to get started.
Convenient Locations In and Around Dayton
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
89 Sylvania Drive
Dayton OH, 45440
6601 Centerville Business Parkway
Dayton OH, 45459
77 East Woodbury Drive
Dayton OH, 45415
580 North Main Street
Springboro OH, 45066
1861 Towne Park Drive
Troy OH, 45373
Schedule an Appointment with Our Dry Eye Specialists
The dry eye specialists at our Dayton, Springboro, and Greater Ohio eye care practices are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients by offering personalized care and the most advanced dry eye treatment options. Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.
The doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.