Dry Eye and Eyecare from Our Optometrist on Our Optometry Team

Are your eyes causing you constant pain? If so, you may be suffering from a frustrating eye condition called dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome affects many Americans, negatively impacting their daily life. The good news is that your local Tukwila, WA, optometrist can help you find relief. Continue reading to learn more about dry eye syndrome and what causes it. We at South Center Eye Clinic are here to help.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a type of eye condition that occurs when the eyes aren't capable of producing enough tears. Tears serve as a type of lubrication for your eyes and without them your eyes can feel gritty, dry, itchy, and you may even feel a burning sensation. Some people with dry eyes report feeling as though there is something stuck in their eye that they can never seem to blink or wipe away. 

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Common causes of this eye condition include:

• Medication: Some medications are designed to stop tears from forming, like antihistamines that work to reduce allergy symptoms, while others have this as a side effect.
• Age: The older we get, the less able our body is to effectively complete certain processes, including tear formation.
• Other eye conditions: Dry eyes commonly develop as a side effect of other eye conditions and situations. For example, one might develop dry eye syndrome after eye surgery or due to a dry and hot environment.

Diagnosing Your Dry Eye Syndrome

Sometimes dry eye syndrome is its own condition, while other times it may be a symptom of something larger. A good way to both understand what is causing your dry eye syndrome and what can be done about it is to consult with an eye doctor and complete an eye exam. An eye exam will enable an optometrist to determine the extent of this eye condition as well as whether there are any other eye conditions that may be causing or exacerbating your painful symptoms. Once diagnosed, our eye doctor can help recommend the best solutions to reduce or even eliminate the condition from impacting your daily life. 

Visit Us for Eyecare and an Eye Exam from Our Eye Doctor on Our Optometry Team

Don’t suffer the pain and discomfort of dry eyes. Contact our Tukwila, WA, optometrist at South Center Eye Clinic to schedule your first eyecare consultation. Call us at (206) 431-8770 for more information.