Dry Eye in Massachusetts & Rhode Island

We will all experience dry, itchy eyes at some point in our lives, but for some, it lasts long periods of time or occurs frequently, causing discomfort. This could be dry eye syndrome, a common condition that develops when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep themselves lubricated. Tears are essential to the health of our eyes, and, when they are not present, it causes discomfort and irritation, as well as blurred vision. In most situations, there is an underlying cause for the condition that simply needs to be diagnosed and addressed. At Eye Health Vision Centers in the greater South Coast area, our team of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to treat dry eye and provide patients with long-term solutions and relief. To learn more about dry eye, contact us for an appointment in Middletown, RI or Fairhaven, Fall River, Taunton, or Dartmouth, MA today.

The most common symptoms associated with dry eye are itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Dry eye can also cause the eyes to feel heavy and sore, and cause an over-production of tears to attempt to self-heal the condition. Patients often report feeling as if they have something in their eyes and difficulty wearing their contact lenses. Many patients will experience difficulty driving at night. Though not severe individually, the accumulated effects of dry eye symptoms could make it difficult to carry out your daily activities as efficiently as you once did, potentially leading to frustration and self-confidence issues.

The simple cause of dry eye is decreased tear production. Determining the cause of decreased tear production and treating the condition is the first step to relief. Simple factors that can lead to dry eyes include the use of electronics, menopause in women, aging, and smoking. Medical-related conditions include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorder, and Vitamin A deficiency. Additionally, some medications can cause dry eye. The team at Eye Health Vision Centers will determine the cause of your dry eye syndrome and recommend a course of treatment that will help you achieve full relief from your symptoms.

Following a thorough examination with a member of our team, Eye Health Vision Centers will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Some mild cases of dry eye can be treated with over-the-counter artificial tear drops. These drops can increase or supplement your natural tear production to provide relief from your symptoms. For more advanced conditions, a procedure that places plugs into the tear ducts could be used to keep natural tears in your eyes for longer periods of time. If you are experiencing significant discomfort, redness, and inflammation, a prescription eye drop or ointment may be prescribed to alleviate these symptoms.

If you are suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye and are ready for a solution, schedule an exam at Eye Health Vision Centers of the greater South Coast area. Our team of skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists are equipped to treat a multitude of common and rare eye conditions to help you attain clear vision and optimal eye health. Contact one of our cutting-edge facilities to schedule your appointment today.