Dry Eye in Napa, CA

Most people will experience dry, itchy eyes sometime in their life, but if it happens regularly, it may be dry eye syndrome. This common condition is the result of a lack of adequate lubrication. Tears are vital to the general health of the eyes; therefore, if they are unbalanced, it can lead to severe discomfort in the eyes and even decreased eyesight. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists provides many different solutions for patients in Napa, CA dealing with dry eye syndrome. We will conduct a thorough eye exam to accurately assess your dry eye and establish whether you have an underlying condition. To find out more about dry eye syndrome, call our Napa, CA office to schedule an exam.

Patients could experience one or more dry eye symptoms at a time. Many patients will feel as if there is something gritty or sandy in their eye that will not come out. A few other common symptoms that could occur include:

• Blurred or changed vision
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes with excess tears
• Mucus discharge from the eye(s)

There are two common causes of dry eye syndrome. If the glands in your eyes do not produce enough oil to keep your tears from evaporating, dry eye can occur. It can also occur if your body is not producing enough water to create tears. Whether your dry eye syndrome is caused by the lack of oil or water, it is important to be seen by a provider to be diagnosed and treated to preserve the health of your eye.

If you're dealing with consistent itchy red eyes or burning sensations, you might be a good candidate for dry eye treatment in Napa. CA. When lifestyle changes, including drinking more water, incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your life, and limiting the amount of time you spend in front of a screen, aren't helping you, you could benefit from dry eye treatment. While dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition, side effects like dryness, scratchiness, and burning are able to be managed with our treatment. Whether we suggest artificial tears or other medications, it is important to schedule an appointment with our team to learn how we can help you receive dry eye treatment that will benefit you.

There are several risk factors associated with dry eye syndrome, including aging, diabetes, previous laser eye surgery, eye allergies, use of contact lenses, and Sjogren's syndrome. These factors can increase the likelihood of developing dry eye and may exacerbate its symptoms. Understanding and addressing these risk factors can help in the management and prevention of dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam conducted by a board-certified ophthalmologist. This exam includes a detailed review of the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as specific tests to evaluate tear production and quality. Common diagnostic tests may involve measuring tear volume using the Schirmer test, assessing tear film breakup time, and examining the ocular surface with special dyes to detect any damage. These evaluations help determine the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome and guide the development of an effective treatment plan.

While many symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be treated with home remedies, dry eye syndrome often results from an underlying condition. Seeking treatment from an experienced provider can benefit patients, as they can help determine the best way to manage your condition and prevent other more serious complications from developing. Some of the complications that can develop if dry eye goes untreated include:

• Vision loss
• Eye inflammation
• Corneal abrasions or ulcers
• Eye infections

It is important to be seen by a provider for dry eye because it could be a sign of a condition that affects more than your eye health, such as lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Our talented team is experienced in alleviating dry eye symptoms and can help prevent further complications from developing or worsening.

If you have dry eye syndrome, you may experience hazy vision, as well as red, scratchy, or stinging eyes. You may also feel like your eyes are heavy and sore, or you may develop light sensitivity. Numerous factors can impact the dryness of one’s eyes. Examples include menopause, mobile device use, underlying conditions (like Vitamin A deficiency), and certain prescription medications. The best approach for finding out if you have dry eyes is to have a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley. In addition to assessing your symptoms, our team will determine any underlying problems contributing to your dry eyes. Your complete eye exam will include measuring the quantity and makeup of the tears you generate as well as a close look at your eyelids, corneas, and conjunctiva. If we do conclude that you have dry eye syndrome, we will design an individualized treatment plan based on the degree of your case. Depending on the overall cause, we could suggest a medication change with the approval of your medical doctor, provide a prescription to reduce eyelid or corneal inflammation, determine medication for tear stimulation, or prescribe inserts for the eye that make your tears last longer. Contact our team for dry eye treatment in Napa, CA you can rely on.

How Are Watery Eyes Related to Dry Eye?
Watery eyes are a common symptoms of dry eye, which may seem unusual to most. Dry eye can cause your eyes to produce too many tears because the body is trying to make up for the tears the evaporate too quickly, which is usually a sign of an issue with your eyelid glands. Watery eyes could also be a sign that there is a full or partial blockage of your tear ducts.

Is there a cure for dry eyes?
There is no permanent cure for dry eye syndrome, but symptoms can be managed with several different types of effective treatments, which will help protect vision and improve the overall quality of life.

Can dry eyes cause blindness?
Without treatment, it is possible for chronic dry eye to lead to eye diseases that could cause blindness. Dry eyes pose an increased risk of eye infections and damage to your eye structures. It is important to see an eye specialist about your chronic dry eye as soon as you notice symptoms so that your ocular health and quality of life can be preserved.

Dry eye syndrome is not only irritating, but it could also result in a decreased ability to see without treatment. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms and hoping to get relief, we suggest making an appointment for an exam at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley. Our skilled group of ophthalmologists at our Napa, CA office can diagnose and manage your dry eye syndrome. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.