Dry Eye

If you experience severe or ongoing dry eye, see the specialists at Saratoga Eye Institute in Saratoga, California. Expert-trained ophthalmologist Dr. Ho Sun Choi, MD, offers treatments for dry eye to ease bothersome symptoms and reduce the risk of worrisome complications. Call the Saratoga Eye Institute office or schedule an eye exam online today.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a common eye condition that causes reduced eye lubrication. It occurs when tears don’t adequately moisten your eyes for various reasons or when your eyes produce low-quality tears. When left untreated, dry eye can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to your eye’s surface. See Dr. Choi at the first sign of dry eye.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

The symptoms associated with dry eye include:

• Decreased eye lubrication
• Dryness
• Eye redness 
• Burning
• Stinging
• Scratchy eyes
• Stringy mucus in your eyes
• Light sensitivity 
• Feeling like you have something in your eyes
• Problems wearing contact lenses
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue
• Difficulty with nighttime driving
• Watery eyes

When left untreated, dry eye can cause eye damage, infections, and a poor quality of life. 

What can cause dry eye?

The common causes and risk factors for having dry eye include:

• Being female
• Being over 50
• Hormone changes 
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Menopause in women
• Diets low in vitamin A
• History of eye surgery
• Eyelid abnormalities
• Contact lenses
• Certain medicines

You can diminish your chance of dry eye by not blowing air in your eyes, using a humidifier during the winter months, and wearing protective glasses when you’re outdoors in the sun. 

Take breaks when doing tasks requiring visual concentration, don’t smoke, and use artificial tears as needed.

How does my eye doctor diagnose dry eye?

Dr. Choi diagnoses dry eye after reviewing your medical history and your symptoms. He completes a comprehensive eye exam and may conduct tests that measure the volume and quality of your tears. He’s then able to tailor a dry eye treatment to match your needs. 

How is dry eye treated?

Treatments for dry eye include making lifestyle changes, using artificial tears, or treating the underlying cause of dry eye. You might need medication changes, new medication prescriptions, eyelid surgery, eye drops, or eye inserts.

Dr. Choi also offers nasal sprays that increase tear production and procedures that help diminish tear loss. You may need special contact lenses, eyelid massage, eyelid therapy, or warm compresses. Frequently wash your eyelids too. See Dr. Choi regularly to ensure your treatment works effectively, and call the Saratoga Eye Institute if you develop worsening dry eye.

To reduce troublesome dry eye symptoms, schedule an eye exam at Saratoga Eye Institute by phone or online today.