At Total Vision of Deland, we are committed to preserving and enhancing your eye health. One of the most common yet often overlooked eye conditions we treat is Dry Eye Syndrome, also known simply as Dry Eye. This condition can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may impact your vision and overall quality of life.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tear film evaporates too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When the eyes fail to produce adequate or quality tears, it leads to dryness, irritation, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Dry Eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age.
Environmental conditions: Wind, smoke, dry climates, or air conditioning can contribute to tear evaporation.
Screen time: Staring at digital screens for extended periods can reduce blinking, leading to Dry Eye.
Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for long durations may worsen symptoms.
Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders can lead to chronic dry eye.
Eye surgeries: LASIK and cataract surgeries may temporarily affect tear production.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
If you suffer from Dry Eye Disease, you may experience:
Burning or stinging sensation
Redness and irritation
Watery eyes (a reflex response to irritation)
Blurred vision
Feeling like something is in your eye
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may worsen in certain environments or during specific activities, like reading or driving at night.
Diagnosis of Dry Eye
At Total Vision of Deland, our experienced eye care professionals perform comprehensive eye exams to diagnose Dry Eye. We assess the quality and quantity of your tears using advanced diagnostic tools, including:
Tear breakup time (TBUT)
Schirmer’s test
Ocular surface staining
Meibomian gland evaluation
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications such as corneal damage or recurring eye infections.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
The good news is that Dry Eye Syndrome is highly treatable. Your treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of your symptoms. Common dry eye treatments include:
Artificial tears – Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops provide temporary relief.
Prescription eye drops – Medications like Restasis® or Xiidra® help reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
Punctal plugs – Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to retain moisture on the eye surface.
Lid hygiene and warm compresses – Help improve oil gland function and reduce evaporation of tears.
Nutritional supplements – Omega-3 fatty acids can improve tear quality.
In-office procedures – Advanced treatments like LipiFlow® or BlephEx® may be recommended for severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Simple changes can also alleviate Dry Eye symptoms:
Take frequent breaks when using screens.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air.
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet rich in omega-3s.
Why Choose Total Vision of Deland?
Our clinic combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to provide effective relief from chronic dry eyes. Whether you’re dealing with occasional irritation or persistent symptoms, our team of experienced optometrists will tailor a treatment plan that works best for you.
We are proud to serve the Deland community with comprehensive eye care services, from routine eye exams to advanced dry eye treatment. Your vision and comfort are our top priorities.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today
Don’t let Dry Eye affect your daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, contact Total Vision of Deland today to schedule your appointment. Relief is just a phone call away.
