Dr. Christine Best understands that good eye health is about more than just good vision. Your eyes must feel (and “look” good), too! She’s proud to help people achieve this by providing comprehensive optometry services to the communities of Thornton, Brighton, Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Erie, Commerce City, and Frederick.
Chronic dry eye is one of the most common eye health conditions diagnosed and treated by Dr. Best. Read on to learn more.
Why Are My Eyes So Dry?
If your eyes are dry, it’s because something is causing you to have inadequate tear production. Tears aren’t just for crying–they are also important for keeping the surface of your eyes protectively moist. While it’s not always clear what’s causing chronic dry eyes, there are several possibilities:
- Allergies
- Smoking (including secondhand smoke)
- Too much screen time (e.g., excessive computer or television use)
- Aging and age-related conditions, including menopause
- Any medical condition that may affect the health of your eyes, including diabetes
- A health condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which leads to decreased fluid in your tear glands
When at all possible, it’s extremely important to identify the underlying factors contributing to your dry eyes. This way, the root cause of your symptoms can be properly addressed, which will provide you with fuller and longer-lasting relief.
What Are Some Other Symptoms of Dry Eye?
In addition to the feeling of dryness, people with chronic dry eye often experience other distracting and uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Red and itchy eyes that look and feel irritated
- The feeling of grittiness in the eyes, or as if something is stuck in your eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue or eye strain
- Stinging or burning pain
- Watery eyes–a somewhat strange symptom; this may happen as your body tries to overcompensate for the lack of tears by producing excessive, clear-colored discharge
How Are Dry Eyes Treated?
At Best Eyecare Associates, Dr. Best can offer customized treatment plans to relieve people of all ages and backgrounds recover from their chronic dry eye. Potential treatments may include:
- Prescription eye drops that lubricate your eyes and reduce inflammation
- Lifestyle guidance, including proper computer use and nutrition that promotes eye health
- Lubricating “punctal” plugs, which are small implantable devices inserted into your tear ducts to block drainage and help your eyes retain an appropriate tear film
Contact Your Eye Doctor Today!
Call Best Eyecare Associates today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Best. She also proudly serves the communities of Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Erie, Commerce City, and Frederick.
Call (303) 254-4888 to schedule an appointment!
To help raise awareness about chronic dry eye, be sure to check out the educational resource program called eyelove.