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Dry Eye

Dry Eye Care at Eye Specialists of Louisiana

Dry eye disease is a common eye-related condition that affects 5% to 15% of Americans each year. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, dry eyes can affect the way you see and function daily.

At Eye Specialists of Louisiana, your vision is our top priority. Whether you’re living with an existing dry eye condition or need help with the onset of new or worsening symptoms, we are here to help guide you through your diagnosis and treatment.

Let’s take a deeper look at dry eye, including causes, symptoms, and treatment. 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease is when your tears cannot correctly lubricate your eyes. It can occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if the tears you have are smaller or less effective than standard tears. 

Lack of normal tear production can lead to chronic and uncomfortable symptoms that may require medical treatment. 

Causes

There are various reasons you may be diagnosed with dry eye disease.

The most common causes include:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Aging
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Inflamed eyelid glands
  • Existing eye disease 

Risk Factors

There are a few factors that increase the risk of developing dry eye, including:

    • Age – Those over 50 are more likely to experience dry eyes as tear production decreases slowly with aging. 
    • Gender – Women are generally at higher risk of developing dry eye based on the increase in hormonal changes they experience from pregnancy or menopause.
  • Facial rosacea
  • Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
  • Eating a diet low in Vitamin A 
  • Wearing contact lenses

Symptoms

Although symptoms and severity vary by patient, the most common symptoms of dry eye include:

  • A general feeling of heaviness or ache
  • Burning
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Watery eyes 
  • Mucus discharge
  • Tired eyes 
  • Difficulty with standard tasks such as reading, using a computer, driving at night, or wearing contact lenses
  • Blurry vision
  • A prominent feeling of having sand in your eyes

It is important to note that not all patients experience all symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these regularly you should talk to your eye doctor for further evaluation. 

Dry Eye Treatment Options

For most patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease, daily use of an over-the-counter or prescription eye drop is sufficient for symptom relief and treatment.

Other treatment options, for those with more severe cases, may include:

  • Antibiotics to reduce inflammation
  •  Warm compresses and lid cleansing
  • Tear-stimulating medication
  • Eyelid massage
  • A procedure to unblock oil glands
  • Light therapy
  • Specialized contact lenses
  • Tear drain reduction or closure

Dry Eye Care Close to Home

You shouldn’t have to live with symptoms of dry eye disease. 

To learn more about dry eye diagnosis and advanced treatment options or schedule an appointment, please call 225-396-3132. Our board-certified optometrists are here to help you see clearer and feel better sooner.