Dry Eye Treatment in Salado and Killeen

Having dry eyes every once in a while usually is not a cause for concern. However, having dry eyes on a frequent basis can end up interfering with your everyday life due to discomfort. At First Eye Care, our optometry team provides treatment for dry eye syndrome for patients in the Salado and Killeen areas. These treatments offer effective relief from dry eye symptoms.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes sometimes occur when the glands in your eyes are unable to produce enough tears. In other cases, problems with the quality of your tears can lead to dry eye symptoms. Dry eye syndrome can also result from tears evaporating on the surface of your eyes too quickly. Having certain serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, thyroid problems or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of dry eyes. Other possible causes include the aging process, certain kinds of medications and damage to your tear glands. 

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

When you have dry eye syndrome, the main symptom is usually dryness that affects both eyes. There are several other symptoms that can occur as well, including increased sensitivity to light, redness, a feeling of grit in the eyes and blurry vision. You might also have a stinging sensation in your eyes or a stringy discharge from one or both eyes. Dry eye syndrome can also cause increased wateriness in your eyes as your body attempts to reduce irritation.

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome in Salado and Killeen

Routine eye exams are important for diagnosing dry eye syndrome and having it treated promptly. At First Eye Care, our optometrist in Salado and Killeen can run tests to check for dry eye syndrome, such as the Schirmer’s test. This test is done to assess how dry or wet your eyes are, which helps determine if you have dry eye syndrome. If you do have dry eyes, our optometrist will discuss treatment options with you. Mild dry eyes can usually be treated with eye drops that ease dryness and irritation. Managing any underlying medical conditions that could be causing dry eyes can also provide you with relief. 

For more severe cases, our optometrist might recommend prescription medications to reduce inflammation, stimulate tear production or increase moisture in your eyes. Other treatment options include removing oil gland blockages, closing your tear ducts, using scleral contact lenses or using light therapy to relieve dry eye symptoms. 

Contact Our Eye Doctor in Salado and Killeen

If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, please contact First Eye Care to set up an appointment. Our eye doctor in Salado and Killeen can evaluate your eyes and provide you with treatment to ease your symptoms.