Have you ever tried to blink away the feeling of sand in your eyes, only to find no relief? Dry eye syndrome (DES) isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s a persistent condition that can make even the simplest tasks, like reading or driving, feel like a challenge. At Ashburn Vision Source, your optometrist in Ashburn, VA, we take dry eyes seriously because your vision comfort is just as important as clarity.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome isn’t always obvious at first. Some people feel their eyes burning or itching, while others experience watery eyes—an ironic overcompensation by the body. To properly diagnose the condition, optometrists use different methods to get a closer look at what’s really going on:
1. Symptom Evaluation – The first step is listening. Describing your symptoms, whether it’s irritation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, helps us understand the severity of the issue.
2. Tear Film Assessment – Tears are more than just water; they’re a delicate mix of oil, mucus, and moisture. Special tests measure tear production to see if your eyes are making enough.
3. Meibomian Gland Evaluation – These tiny oil glands in the eyelids play a key role in keeping tears from evaporating too quickly. If they’re blocked or malfunctioning, dry eyes can become a serious and chronic problem.
Treating Dry Eye: Finding the Right Balance
Treating dry eye syndrome isn’t about simply adding moisture—it’s about restoring balance. Here’s how we may be able to help you get relief:
1. Artificial Tears and Prescription Drops
For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears help replenish lost moisture. But for more stubborn cases, prescription eye drops can help stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.
2. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene
Sometimes, clogged oil glands are to blame. Applying warm compresses helps loosen blockages, while gentle eyelid scrubs can help keep the eye’s natural lubrication system working properly.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments and Nutrition
Simple changes—like taking breaks from screens, using a humidifier, or increasing omega-3 intake—can significantly reduce symptoms. After all, eye health is linked to overall well-being.
Get Eyeglasses, Specialty Contact Lenses, a Contact Lens Exam, Eye Care, Dry Eye Treatment, and Family Eye Doctor Services from an Optometrist Near You
Ignoring dry eyes won’t make them go away. Left untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to long-term irritation, infections, or more. At Ashburn Vision Source, your optometrist in Ashburn, VA, we tailor treatments to fit your needs, helping you blink comfortably and clearly. Call us at (703) 724-9948 for eyeglasses, specialty contact lenses, a contact lens exam, eye care, dry eye treatment, and family eye doctor services from an optometrist near you.