Your Eye Doctor Can Help with Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be a side effect of medications that you may be taking or a symptom of another health problem. It can also be a chronic issue that you may have to manage. No matter why you have dry eyes, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor to make sure you are getting the proper treatment you need. If you live in Hawthorne, Gardena, or the surrounding communities, choose our ophthalmologist at Century Eye Care for dry eye relief.
The Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eyes can show up in different ways. You may have burning, itching, stinging, light sensitivity, a feeling of having something in your eye, redness, difficulty wearing contacts, watery eyes, tired eyes, or blurry vision. Sometimes it is possible to manage these symptoms with over-the-counter artificial tears, ointments, or gels. Other times, it’s best to speak with an eye doctor.
When to Get Help from an Ophthalmologist
In more severe cases of dry eye, an eye specialist may be needed. If having dry eye is keeping you from your daily tasks or if you have discomfort then your eye doctor needs to know. Also, if your symptoms aren’t going away, at-home treatment doesn’t work, or you aren’t sure what is causing your dry eyes, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. We will check to see what is causing your dry eyes and make sure your condition doesn’t become advanced. Advanced dry eye can damage the front part of your eye and bring pain, scars, and ulcers; all of which can affect your vision.
Different procedures and tests are needed to properly diagnose dry eye. A comprehensive exam will be performed, along with measuring the volume of your tears. Other tests can determine the quality of your tears by looking at staining patterns and how long it takes your tears to evaporate.
Treatment
Your eye doctor will treat the underlying cause of your dry eyes. If you have an eyelid condition, your doctor may refer you to an eye surgeon or, if it’s a medication that is causing it, recommend a different medication.
Visit Our Ophthalmologist Today
Don’t let dry eyes interfere with your daily life. Call Century Eye Care today to schedule an appointment at our Hawthorne office at (310) 644-8877 or our Gardena office at (310) 767-7814.