Chronic dry eye is an inflammatory disorder which affects tears and the surface of the eyes which affects between 5 and 30 percent of the population age 50 and older in the United States.
Chronic dry eye is dry eye caused by one of a number of underlying conditions which lead to either an underproduction of tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eye) or a problem with the tear composition (evaporative dry eye). This is differentiated from dry eye which is caused by environmental or other factors which can be more easily treated. Although, external factors such as dry environments, allergies, and LASIK can aggravate chronic dry eye.
Chronic dry eye can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Chronic dry eye disease can damage ocular tissues and in very serious cases, lead to scarring of the cornea. Chronic dry eye sufferers in one study reported a decrease in quality of life that was as high as breaking one's hip due to the pain and physical limitations that was experienced.
Common symptoms of chronic dry eye include general dryness and discomfort, along with a burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes. Blurry vision is also a common symptom.
There are several potential causes of chronic dry eye. These include:
If you experience the symptoms of dry eye (such as redness, stinging, burning, or gritty sensations in the eyes) over an extended period of time.
In milder cases, symptoms may come and go, and in more severe cases they will be more regular and severe.
Dry eye isn’t something that can be simply cured, but it can be effectively treated and the symptoms managed. The most important thing for dry eye is determining the precise cause, as that will help you and your doctor better determine which treatment methods are likely to have the most impact.
The most commonly used treatment is artificial tears. In more severe cases, other treatments, such as punctal plugs, can be used.
There is no definitive way to prevent chronic dry eye. However, there are ways to reduce one’s risk.
Avoiding things which cause dryness, such as low humidity areas, wind, and fair dryers, can help. Using a humidifier while indoor heat is used, or wraparound glasses while outdoors, can provide some help. Remaining properly hydrated is also always a good idea.
Additionally, if you already suffer from dry eye, taking breaks while using devices with screens can help prevent symptoms from becoming further aggravated.
Changes to your diet or reducing or changing your medication, as directed by a doctor, can also help provide some relief.
Chronic dry eye, where symptoms of dry eye persist for extended periods of time, can be an unpleasant condition to live with. While there is no easy cure, chronic dry eye’s symptoms can be managed with proper treatments, as directed by a doctor. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey. If you are suffering from dry eye, you can schedule an appointment for a consultation at American Family Vision Clinic by contacting us at (360) 491-2121.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
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