Do Your Eyes Feel Dry, Itchy, or Irritated?
You might dismiss these symptoms as allergies or just a part of daily life, but they could be signs of something more serious — dry eye syndrome. At Vista Eye Care, we’re here to help you identify and treat the root cause of your discomfort so you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision once again.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is insufficient to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of your eyes and ensuring clear vision. When your eyes cannot produce the right amount or type of tears, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye—This type occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough of the watery component of tears, leading to dryness and irritation.
Evaporative Dry Eye—This is the most common type of dry eye. This condition occurs when your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Mixed Dry Eye—Many patients experience a combination of aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye, resulting in a mix of symptoms.
Thornton, CO 80602
- Monday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Symptoms of Dry Eye
DES can present a variety of symptoms, which may include:
- Persistent dryness or a gritty sensation in the eyes
- Itching, burning, or stinging in the eyes
- Redness and irritation, especially after prolonged screen time or reading
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- A feeling of something foreign in the eye
What Causes Dry Eye?
Several factors can contribute to the development of DES, including:
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, air conditioning, or living in a dry environment, such as Thornton, Colorado, can make DES more common
- Prolonged Screen Use: Extended periods of computer or device use can strain the eyes and contribute to dryness
- Contact Lens Wear: Regular contact lens wear can exacerbate symptoms
- History of Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can increase the likelihood of developing DES
- Certain Medications: Antihistamines, dermatological agents, decongestants, and blood pressure drugs can worsen symptoms
- Systemic Health Conditions: Patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome are at a higher risk
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): This occurs when the eyelid oil glands fail to produce tear oil of sufficient quantity or quality
Finding the Root Cause of Your Dry Eye
Our approach to dry eye treatment goes beyond merely addressing the symptoms — we focus on identifying the root cause to provide long-lasting relief. Using advanced diagnostics, we carefully analyze your tear film and examine the function of your meibomian glands. By understanding the underlying cause, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dry Eye Treatments at Vista Eye Care
When treating dry eye, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Whether you’re dealing with a tear quality issue, a tear quantity issue, or a combination of both, our goal is to provide relief that alleviates your discomfort and improves your overall eye health. From targeted therapies like meibomian gland treatment to advanced solutions such as punctal plugs and customized medication plans, we’re here to help you find the best solution.
Schedule a Dry Eye Consultation
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Vista Eye Care. Our team is here to provide a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan to help you achieve lasting relief. Contact us in Thornton to take the first step toward healthier eyes.