Dry Eye Syndrome Near San Fernando Valley, CA

The majority of people will deal with dry, irritated eyes at some point, but when it lingers for more than a few days or occurs all the time, you might have dry eye syndrome. This incredibly common eye condition is caused by a lack of tears and is genetically inherited. Usually, the uncomfortable symptoms are triggered by a variety of things, including medical conditions, certain medications, or environmental factors. Tears are fundamental to the overall health of the eyes so when they are not present, it can cause extreme discomfort of the eyes and even decreased eyesight. Dry eye syndrome is nearly always caused by an underlying condition, and once the reason is determined, our doctors can dramatically reduce the associated symptoms.

Our expert ophthalmologists provide many different solutions for anyone in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA area dealing with dry eye syndrome. To begin with, our doctors will conduct a thorough eye exam to properly diagnose your dry eye symptoms and determine the underlying cause. To find out more about getting help for dry eye syndrome, contact Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley to schedule your consultation.

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Patients who have dry eye syndrome often suffer from impaired vision and red, irritated, or burning eyes. Sometimes, patients feel like something is caught in their eyes or they experience serious discomfort when putting in contact lenses. A lot of people who have this condition also feel like their eyeballs feel heavy and sore. In some cases, they become sensitive to light and have trouble driving at night. Despite how its name sounds, dry eye syndrome can, for some patients, lead to even more tears in an attempt to compensate for the dryness. Dry eye syndrome symptoms may become constant or reoccur with certain triggers, but frequently, it leads to problems in everyday tasks and activities.

The major reason for dry eye syndrome is the lack of tears, oils, or a mixture of both. Tear production has three main parts. The lacrimal glands secrete the tears, the meibomian glands secrete the oils within the tears, and the goblet cells blend the two together. Dry eye syndrome can occur whenever any of these three parts of tear production becomes unbalanced. Several different issues can impact each of these components, including hormonal changes, mobile device use, medical conditions like thyroid disorder, and some prescription medications.

The best approach for diagnosing chronic dry eye syndrome is to receive a comprehensive eye exam. In addition to your symptoms, we will discuss past or current conditions to determine any underlying problems that may cause your eye issues. Your complete eye exam may include measuring the number of tears you generate and reviewing the components of your tears. We will also examine your eyelids, eyes, and corneas using a very small light and magnification lenses. If one of our expert doctors does diagnose you with dry eye syndrome, they will formulate a customized treatment plan based on what works best for your condition.

Aside from allergies or triggers in your environment, there are a number of factors that might raise your risk of dry eyes. One of these is age, with individuals over the age of 50 being more prone to this condition (as tear production starts to fall off). Women are also more likely to experience dry eye from hormonal changes. Other risk factors for dry eye syndrome include diet, smoking, using contact lenses, and having had refractive surgery in the past.

Your individualized dry eye treatment is based on the underlying condition causing your dry eyes. Following a comprehensive exam and consultation, we can assess which treatment works best for your needs. A lot of people with mild cases of dry eye can find relief with a prescription or over-the-counter eye drops. These solutions can help increase your actual tears. If your dry eye syndrome is more complicated, we can insert tiny plugs in your tear ducts (called punctal occlusion) to close them off and keep the natural tears in the eye.

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?
It's possible, but contact lenses may exacerbate dry eye symptoms for some people. Special contact lenses designed for dry eyes are available, and using contact lens solutions that have artificial tears can also be beneficial. Our team at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley can discuss this in more detail if you are interested in these specific products.

Is dry eye syndrome permanent?
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be chronic and persistent, but the condition itself is not typically permanent. With appropriate treatment and management, most people can significantly reduce their symptoms.

Can dry eye syndrome damage my eyes permanently?
If left untreated, severe dry eye syndrome can lead to complications such as eye infections, inflammation, and, in rare cases, damage to the surface of the eyes. However, these complications are relatively rare and usually only occur in severe or long-standing cases.

Suffering from dry eye syndrome is more than just a serious annoyance. It can also cause a decreased ability to see without proper treatment. If you suffer from chronic dry eye symptoms and have tried numerous over-the-counter solutions with no relief, we encourage you to arrange an appointment at one of our San Fernando Valley locations in Los Angeles, California. For your convenience, we have two locations – one in Encino and the other in West Hills. Please call either location to schedule an exam with one of our skilled ophthalmologists and eye care professionals at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley. They can diagnose your condition and help you manage the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.