Most people have experienced dry eyes, whether from persistent allergies or after binge-watching their favorite TV show. In many cases, the dryness fades on its own – but it could be a chronic problem.
At Eyedrop Optique in Dumbo, Brooklyn, New York City, Dr. Robert Ancona offers a range of services for dry, red, or irritated eyes. He gets to the bottom of the issue to provide long-lasting relief and healthy eyes.
Dry eyes occur when tear production is insufficient or when tears quickly evaporate , leading to discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. It can also lead to excessive watering and blurry vision, affecting everyday activities.
Dry eyes occur for many reasons, from short-term issues to long-term chronic problems. The main reasons for dry eyes include:
The cause of your dry eyes is a crucial component for treatment. For short-term dryness, over-the-counter drops can provide relief. For more severe or persistent dryness, professional treatments are available.
These may include prescription eye drops, specialized medications, in-office procedures to improve tear quality, or devices to help stimulate tear production. Dr. Ancona will recommend options tailored to your needs.
Dry eyes may not seem like a big deal, but left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. Untreated dry eyes are serious and can lead to a decreased quality of life and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
It’s crucial to seek treatment for dry eyes if they’re affecting daily life. Without treatment, you could end up with any of the following complications:
Without the proper tear production, the eyes can’t eliminate harmful bacteria and debris. The result is eye infections that can cause damage if left untreated.
Chronic dry eye inflammation can lead to corneal damage. The dryness and inflammation lead to corneal abrasions, open areas, and significant scarring.
Consistently dry eyes trigger an inflammatory response that persists until they receive proper lubrication. The result is chronic damage and the inability to produce normal tears.
The most significant complication of chronic dry eyes is poor vision or permanent vision impairment. It’s crucial to seek help for dry eyes when they start affecting your daily life.
Not everyone with dry eyes needs professional care, but if you frequently experience excessive watering, mucus or cloudy discharge, persistent redness or irritation, trouble wearing contacts, sudden vision changes, increased light sensitivity, or severe eye pain, it’s time to get help. Other symptoms to watch for include, but are not limited to:
The sooner you come in for treatment, the sooner we can suggest a treatment to reduce dryness. After a thorough eye exam, we may recommend artificial tears or tear duct plugs to keep the eyes more lubricated.
Ready to find relief for your dry eyes? Call our Brooklyn office today or schedule a consultation with Dr. Ancona on our website to get started on effective treatment.
