573-642-6800
Fulton, MO

Dry Eye Treatment  

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Fulton, MO

Dry Eye  

Request Appointment

Diagnosis and Dry Eye Treatment in Fulton, MO

Do you constantly feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes? You could be suffering from dry eye! The first step in finding relief is identifying the root cause of your dry eye syndrome. At VisionArts Eyecare Center, our skilled eye care professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye in Fulton, Missouri. We provide comprehensive testing that allows us to customize treatment plans to your needs.  

What is dry eye?

Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a condition where you don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. Tears help you see clearly, lubricate your eyes, and protect against infection, so proper tear production and drainage are critical to maintaining optimal eye health and vision. Allergies and dry eye have similar symptoms, which is why dry eye is often misdiagnosed.

What causes dry eye?    

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. The meibomian glands are tiny oil glands in the margins of your eyelids. These glands secrete oils that coat the surface of your eyes and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or clogged, it causes dry eye syndrome.   

Other causes of dry eye include:  

  • Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, and menopause   
  • Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants   
  • Certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, diabetes, or thyroid problems  
  • Blepharitis   
  • Previous eye surgery or injury 
  • Exposure to cold, smoke, and dry climates    
  • Contact lens wear 
  • Not blinking enough during activities like driving, reading, computer use, or watching TV 

What are the symptoms of dry eye?    

The most common symptom of dry eye is a burning sensation in the eyes. Other symptoms include:  

  • Stinging or itching eyes   
  • A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes    
  • Increased sensitivity to light    
  • Eye pain or redness    
  • Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes    
  • Fluctuating vision     

If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to schedule an appointment with your optometrist right away. 

How is dry eye diagnosed?    

During a comprehensive eye exam at VisionArts Eyecare Center, our eye doctor will perform a series of tests to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Some common tests include evaluating your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition.  

How do you treat dry eye syndrome?   

At our practice, we take a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye, addressing the condition from both the outside and the inside. By addressing the underlying causes of your condition and tailoring the treatment plan to your specific needs, we can help you find relief and improve your overall eye health. 

How we treat dry eye from the outside: 

  • Tears, gels, ointments 
  • Lid hygiene 
  • Heat applications 
  • Punctual plugs 
  • Prescription eye drops 

How we treat dry eye from the inside: 

  • Oral supplements 
  • Prescription oral meds 

Schedule an appointment at VisionArts Eyecare Center 

With proper care from an experienced professional, relief from dry eye is possible! If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, our experts are here to help you find out what’s causing your symptoms and finally get long-lasting relief. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at our office in Fulton today.