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Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment in Spokane Valley, WA
Over 100 million people worldwide suffer from dry eye syndrome, and women are affected by dry eye 50% more than men. Dry eye can have a significant impact on your quality of life. At EyeQ Optical, we thoroughly understand the causes of dry eye and can customize a dry eye treatment plan to fit your needs. Our dry eye specialists in Spokane Valley will carefully examine your eyes and determine if dry eye or another underlying condition is causing your symptoms.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your tears are insufficient to keep the front surface of your eyes lubricated. When your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep them moist, dry eye can occur.
Tears help moisturize your eyes, protect against infection, and promote healing, so proper tear production and drainage play a crucial role in maintaining optimal eye health. Because dry eye shares similar symptoms with eye allergies, it can often be misdiagnosed. At EyeQ Optical in Spokane Valley, WA, we have the training and experience to evaluate, test for, diagnose, and treat dry eye.
Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment in What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have dry eye syndrome:
- Burning, stinging, or itching eyes
- A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Eye pain or redness
- Increased light sensitivity
- Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes
Symptoms may be aggravated by activities like driving, reading, computer use, or watching television, as you blink less often at these times.
Dry Eye Treatment in Spokane Valley
At EyeQ Optical, our optometrist has expertise in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will gather the information needed to determine if you may have dry eye. If a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique eye health needs.
Every individual is different and dry eye syndrome can vary in severity from person to person. EyeQ Optical offers many safe and effective treatment solutions for dry eye syndrome. These can include eye drops, lifestyle adjustments, and other strategies intended not just to treat your symptoms, but to address the source of the issue. This makes your treatment more sustainable and allows you to live a comfortable, high-quality life.
How to Prevent Dry Eye?
There are several ways to prevent dry eye, including:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops as needed
- Avoid dry or windy conditions when possible
- Take frequent breaks when using electronic devices
- Wear protective eyewear when in the sun
- Use a humidifier at home
- Avoid smoking
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Dry eye is a common condition that can cause discomfort and even vision problems if left untreated. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods, you can take steps to manage and prevent dry eye. If you’re noticing dry eye symptoms like irritation and grittiness, it is important to see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right guidance and professional care, dry eye can be effectively managed and prevented to ensure comfortable and healthy eyes.
If you think you have dry eye syndrome, contact our office for dry eye treatment in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Can dry eye cause blurry vision?
Yes, tears play an important role in the function of the visual system. When tears are irregular, the vision fluctuates. The more stable the tear, the more crisp the vision can be.
Can dry eye cause blindness?
It can, however dry eye typically does not cause blindness. Severe untreated cases may lead to complications that could potentially affect vision, such as corneal ulcers or infections. It’s important to manage dry eye symptoms promptly to prevent such complications.
What does dry eye look like?
Dry eye can manifest with symptoms such as a sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes, redness or a bloodshot appearance, temporary blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), occasional excessive tearing, stringy or sticky eye discharge, discomfort with contact lenses, and eye fatigue, especially after prolonged reading or screen use. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the individual and the underlying cause of dry eye. During an eye examination, signs like decreased tear production or changes in tear film quality may also be observed by a healthcare professional.
Can dry eye cause double vision?
Dry eye usually doesn’t cause true double vision (diplopia). However, it can lead to fluctuating or blurry vision, which might occasionally seem like double vision when the tear film is unstable or the eye surface is irregular due to dryness. This blurry vision typically improves with blinking or using artificial tears. If double vision persists or worsens, it’s essential to see an eye care professional for proper evaluation.
Can dry eye be cured?
Dry eye is generally a chronic condition that can be effectively managed but not typically cured. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, improving tear production and quality, and preventing complications through methods like artificial tears, medications, and environmental management. With proper care, many people experience significant relief and improved eye comfort, but ongoing follow-up with an eye care professional is important for optimal management.
Can dry eye cause light sensitivity?
Yes, dry eye can cause light sensitivity, also known as photophobia. When the eyes are dry and the tear film is inadequate, the cornea and underlying tissues may become more exposed and vulnerable to light. This can lead to discomfort or sensitivity to bright lights or glare, making it uncomfortable to be in well-lit environments or to look directly at light sources. Managing dry eye symptoms, such as using lubricating eye drops or addressing underlying causes, can help alleviate photophobia in many cases.
Can dry eye affect your vision?
Yes, dry eye can affect vision by causing blurred vision, fluctuating vision quality throughout the day, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and difficulty wearing contact lenses. When the tear film on the eye’s surface is insufficient or unstable due to dryness, these visual disturbances can occur. Managing dry eye symptoms with lubricating eye drops, medications, and lifestyle adjustments can improve tear film stability and alleviate vision-related issues. Regular consultations with an eye care professional are crucial for effective management.
Can dry eye affect only one eye?
Yes, dry eye can affect only one eye. While it often affects both eyes simultaneously, it’s possible for dry eye symptoms to be more pronounced in one eye than the other. This asymmetry can occur due to various factors such as differences in tear production, environmental conditions, or underlying health issues affecting one eye more than the other. Regardless of whether one or both eyes are affected, managing dry eye symptoms with appropriate treatments can help alleviate discomfort and improve eye health.
Why dry eye after lasik?
Dry eye after LASIK surgery is common due to temporary disruption of corneal nerves and potential damage from surgery. This leads to reduced tear production and instability, causing discomfort. While most cases resolve within months as nerves regenerate, factors like age and medications can affect symptoms. Management includes artificial tears and regular follow-up with an eye care professional.
Can dry eye cause headaches?
Yes, dry eye can potentially cause headaches. The discomfort and strain associated with dry eyes can lead to tension headaches, especially if the condition persists or worsens over time.
Can dry eye cause floaters?
No, dry eye typically does not cause floaters. Floaters are usually caused by changes in the vitreous humor of the eye, such as clumping of collagen fibers or cells that cast shadows on the retina. Dry eye primarily affects the tear film and surface of the eye rather than the vitreous humor. However, underlying conditions associated with dry eye, like inflammation or certain medications, might indirectly contribute to floaters in some cases.
Can dry eye cause eye pain?
Yes, dry eye can cause eye pain. The discomfort associated with dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the ocular surface can result in aching or soreness in the eyes. This pain may feel like a burning or stinging sensation and can worsen with prolonged use of digital screens, reading, or exposure to dry or windy environments. Treating the underlying dry eye condition typically helps alleviate this pain.
Can dry eye cause eye twitching?
Yes, dry eye can sometimes cause eye twitching. The irritation and discomfort associated with dryness can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, including twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm). This twitching is usually temporary and may resolve once the dry eye condition is treated and symptoms improve. If eye twitching persists or becomes bothersome, consulting an eye care professional is advisable to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
Can dry eye cause dizziness?
Dry eye itself typically does not cause dizziness. However, discomfort and vision disturbances associated with dry eye, such as blurred vision or eye strain, could potentially contribute to feelings of dizziness or imbalance in some individuals. If dizziness or balance issues occur alongside dry eye symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other possible causes and receive appropriate evaluation and management.
Can dry eye cause redness?
Yes, dry eye can cause redness in the eyes. When the eyes are dry, the surface tissues become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation can lead to dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the eye, resulting in a red or bloodshot appearance. Redness is a common symptom of dry eye and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Managing dry eye with lubricating eye drops, medications, or other treatments can help reduce redness and alleviate symptoms.
Can dry eye cause styes?
Yes, dry eye can contribute to the development of styes. When the eyes are dry, the meibomian glands in the eyelids that produce oil may become blocked or dysfunctional. This can lead to an accumulation of oils and bacteria, which increases the likelihood of developing a stye (also known as a hordeolum). Styes are painful, red bumps typically on the eyelid caused by inflammation of these glands or hair follicles. Managing dry eye symptoms and maintaining good eyelid hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing styes.
Are dry eyes itchy?
Yes, dry eyes can be itchy. When the eyes lack sufficient lubrication from tears, the ocular surface can become irritated and sensitive. This irritation can lead to itching sensations, which may prompt rubbing of the eyes in an attempt to alleviate discomfort. However, rubbing the eyes can further exacerbate dryness and irritation. Managing dry eye symptoms with lubricating eye drops or other treatments can help reduce itchiness and improve overall eye comfort.