Dry Eye Treatment Is About More than Eye Drops
Dry eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, and, ironically, watering eyes need dry eye treatment, but just using over the counter eye drops is usually not enough. Achieve lasting relief from dry eyes with help from our optometrists at Bay Optical in Glens Falls, Greenwich, Saratoga Springs/Wilton, or Warrensburg. Here are answers to the top three questions our patients frequently ask us about dry eyes.
What causes dry eyes?
In our region, just about everyone has problems with dry eyes in the winter. Dry air creates dry eyes. But dry eyes aren't just caused by a lack of moisture. In many people, the meibomian glands of the eyes don't make enough of the lubricating proteins that disperse tears across the surface of the eye. When the problem is an absence of the right glandular secretions in the eyes, just taking eye drops won't solve the problem.
Can I do anything on my own for dry eye treatment?
There are lots of things you can do for short-term relief of dry eye symptoms, such as:
- Run a humidifier
- Make sure you take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look off into the distance when you are working at a computer
- Make a point of blinking a lot when you are using a phone, watching TV or using your laptop
- Wear glasses instead of contacts
- Drink lots of water
- Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors
- Stop smoking
But lasting relief usually takes more than that.
Dry eyes don't seem like a big deal. Why would I need to see my optometrist about dry eye treatment?
Dry eyes aren't just annoying. Dry eyes invite infection, and they sometimes signal a systemic health problem. Our optometrist can refer you to an appropriate specialist if you show symptoms of a problem that isn't just in your eyes.
Our optometrist can prescribe the treatment that works best for your dry eye treatment. The underlying problem in dry eyes isn't just a lack of moisture. Your optometrist can prescribe relief that works faster and lasts longer, and give you some pointers about how to get rid of the problem for good. You will get more done at work, and you will feel better at the end of the day.
Don't wait until you are miserable to get dry eye relief!
Everyone needs regular checkups to maintain good eye health. Bay Optical has offices at four convenient locations. Contact us online for appointments in Glens Falls, Greenwich, Saratoga Springs, or Warrensburg. Or call us for an appointment at (518) 792-4140 in Glens Falls, (512) 692-2960 in Greenwich, (518) 587-2020 in Saratoga Springs, or (518) 623-2229 in Warrensburg.