Normally with every blink, eyes get refreshed by a tear layer that keeps them moist and washes away foreign matter. Chronically dry eyes — aka dry eye syndrome — is a frustrating condition in which you don’t produce enough tears or your tears aren’t healthy.
At Eye Associates of Monmouth in Colts Neck, New Jersey, expert ophthalmologist John Ghobrial, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. If your eyes are dry, itchy, or red, here’s how we can help.
If you have dry eye syndrome, the reason those over-the-counter eye drops you reach for when your eyes are red, dry, and itchy don’t work is that they’re not formulated to treat the root of your problem. In fact, they could even make it worse, especially if they contain chemicals to lessen redness.
The first step toward effective treatment of dry eye is a precise diagnosis. When you come to our office complaining of chronically dry, itchy eyes, Dr. Ghobrial:
A tear sample lets Dr. Ghobrial know if you have markers for the dry eye syndrome, including elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin. Once he understands the factors involved in your dry eyes, he devises a treatment plan.
If you have a mild case of dry eye, Dr. Ghobrial may recommend judicious use of over-the-counter eye drops, but only those that are designed for moistening, not for addressing redness. He also advises against drops that have preservatives.
If your body doesn’t produce enough tears, Dr. Ghobrial may prescribe special eye drops that increase tear production. He may also advise taking an omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplement.
Another cause of dry eye is tears that drain too quickly, leaving your eye vulnerable to outside irritants. Tears normally drain through your tear ducts, at the inside corners of your eyes.
However, if you lose your tears too quickly, Dr. Ghobrial may insert silicone plugs in your tear ducts that block the openings. This allows the tears to stay on your eyes longer. You can also have surgery to permanently close your tear ducts.
Dry eyes may also be the result of inflammation in your eyelids or your corneas. If so, Dr. Ghobrial may recommend one or more of the following:
Treating inflammation makes your eyes feel more comfortable and reduces redness and puffiness.
You can also help your dry eyes feel more comfortable by making changes in your lifestyle and environment. Key steps to take:
Find out why your eyes are dry by scheduling a dry eye consultation with us today. Contact our friendly team by phone, or book an appointment online.
