Dry Eye Syndrome

woman rubbing her eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. As result, your tears are not sufficient in keeping the front surface of the eye (cornea) well lubricated. The cornea’s health (and your comfort) is aided by your tears. Low tear production and unbalanced tear composition can have lasting effects on your vision. Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable, but they are also more prone to injury and infection.

What are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

  • Excess tearing or watery eyes
  • Inflammation and eye redness
  • A stinging and itching sensation in your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision or eye fatigue

Any of the above symptoms could be indicators of dry eye syndrome. Schedule an eye appointment to discuss your symptoms.

What are my options for treating dry eye?

Dry eye syndrome can be treated in various ways. A temporary solution is the use of over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate the cornea. However, this approach does not address the underlying problem, which is often inflammation. To combat this, there’s an FDA-approved prescription eye drop called Restasis. Restasis decreases inflammation, preventing further eye damage, and aids the eye in creating more efficient lubrication.

If a patient desires to reduce dependency on drops, Chicago Eye Consultants now offers the TearCare treatment as an alternative approach to provide relief. LEARN MORE