Can Eye Drops Treat my Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that persistently causes multiple adverse effects. These symptoms include the namesake dryness but also potentially hazy vision, redness, stinging, itching, light sensitivity, night vision troubles, and other forms of discomfort or pain.

But one of the best ways to receive a detailed diagnosis (and to find relief via our time-tested treatments) is to see Dr. Daniel Tepper at Wickerpark Eye Center in Chicago, IL. Please contact us today if you’re in the Greater Chicago area and experiencing the symptoms mentioned above or if you have any concerns.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome has multiple risk factors. For example, women are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome. The prevalence also increases with age and certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, acne medications, and birth control measures. Certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, may also be implicated.

The cause of dryness originates from the body’s ability to produce tears. Or, technically, the body’s inability to produce tears. Your eyes rely on tears for optimal health and function, yet tears are more complex than they appear. They contain three components: water, oil, and mucus.

Together, these imbue tears with various essential qualities, including the capability to provide lubrication, fully cover the eye’s surface, and resist evaporation. Yet, if the ratio of water, oil, and mucus is off, dry eye syndrome may occur. Similarly, dry eyes may be caused by an inadequacy of amount (rather than ratio), resulting from the inability to produce enough tears.

Can eye drops treat my dry eyes?

Seeking a timely diagnosis can help you enjoy an improved quality of life, but there’s another benefit: while it’s uncommon, dry eyes could result from some underlying issues. By detecting the cause of the problem, we can help you avoid issues that may occur in the future if the underlying cause is left untreated.

One of the most common and effective treatments is also the easiest to employ. We can help you achieve hassle-free dry eye relief through prescription eye drops or artificial tears, which retain moisture in the eye and provide the other benefits of natural tears. And it’s a convenient fix that potentially only takes a second to present its relieving effects.

For those with more severe cases or those that do not respond as efficiently to other treatments, we’re proud to offer various options, including punctal occlusion. Punctal occlusions are special plugs inserted into the tear ducts to close them off, allowing your real tears to stay in the eyes and do their job.

Banish dryness by giving us a call

Dry eye syndrome can drain one’s energy and provide a detrimental daily annoyance. It’s much harder to lead a productive, happy life when you’re constantly rubbing your eyes, struggling to see, or facing everyday pain and discomfort. But our range of clinically proven treatment options can provide relief and help you win back your ocular comfort, visual acuity, and daily freedom.

So, we invite individuals in the Greater Chicago area to get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Tepper. We’d love to help you banish dry eyes, so visit us at Wickerpark Eye Center in Chicago, IL.