Dry Eyes

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Dry eyes can cause many issues, including: 

• Grainy-feeling eyes
• Scratchy-feeling eyes
• Eye soreness
• Red eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Stinging sensation
• Burning sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry eyesight
• Eye tiredness

Many people with dry eyes also experience frequent eye watering, which is your body’s automatic response to discomfort and dryness. But eye watering isn’t the same as healthy tears — it lacks the oil and mucus layers that provide moisture and lubrication. 

Over time, serious dry eye symptoms can lead to eye damage, such as corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers, so it’s best to reach out to Todani Eye Associates as soon as you notice the signs of dry eyes. 

What causes dry eyes?

A number of factors can lead to dry eyes, including: 

• Extended contact lens wear
• Hormone fluctuations
• Extended screen time
• Refractive surgery like LASIK®
• Medications, such as antihistamines and diuretics
• Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Inward-turning eyelids (entropion)
• Outward-turning eyelids (ectropion)

The most common cause of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction, an issue that affects the eyelid glands that produce the oils in tear film. When the meibomian glands don’t make adequate oils or when the oils are poor quality, you can have either too few tears or quickly evaporating tears, leading to dry eyes.

How are dry eyes treated?

Todani Eye Associates offers patients a full spectrum of treatment options that the providers tailor for specific patient needs. The experienced providers are proud to offer the most innovative, up-to-date solutions for dry eyes in the office. 

Treatment of dry eyes may involve a variety of different approaches, including lubricating eyedrops (artificial tears), tear-stimulating eyedrops, and warm compresses. Punctal plugs — tiny plugs that block tear ducts to stop tear loss — are another option for improving tear film.

One particularly effective dry eye treatment is intense-pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which targets meibomian gland dysfunction. IPL gently heats the meibomian glands during pulses of light to help to dislodge oil from the clogged glands. 

IPL treatment often includes meibomian gland expression, which is a gentle eyelid massage that further reduces blockages and restores normal oil flow from the meibomian glands. Studies show that nearly 60% of dry eye patients experienced a dramatic improvement after treatment with IPL and meibomian gland expression. IPL is an in-office treatment with no downtime.

Dry eyes are an uncomfortable issue that holds you back from enjoying life, but fortunately, there are now excellent in-office solutions available at Todani Eye Associates. To get help for dry eyes, call the office or click on the online scheduling tool to book at your convenience.