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Are you suffering from any
of these Dry Eye symptoms?
Blurred Vision
Red Eyes
Itching or Burning Sensation
Eye Soreness or Pain
Foreign Body Sensation
Gritty or Sandy Feeling
Sensitivity to Light
Contact Lens Discomfort
Experience how the
Indiana Dry Eye Center of Excellence
can help you!
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
724.465.6232
As many as 1 in 3 Americans experience ocular surface disease, or dry eye syndrome. Symptoms
include burning, stinging, red eyes, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and contact lens intolerance.
As common as these symptoms are, most patients believe it is normal and they just have to live
with it. We are amazed at how many patients suffer from this and that no therapies have ever
been offered to them. This is why Drs. Hilliard and Tarnoff created our Dry Eye Center of Excellence
– to offer patients counseling and treatment options to this annoying disease. From nutritional and
lifestyle counseling, to prescription drugs, to in-office procedures, we offer an array of treatment
modalities based on how severe the disease is and your comfort level. At your next visit, let us
know if you suffer from any of the above symptoms.
DRY EYE FAQ's
A. To understand Chronic Dry Eye, you first need t know what keeps your eyes healthy. Every time you blink, the eyes make a natural tear film that keeps your eyes moist, protected, and clean. And, tears are much more than just water. They contain nutrients, electrolytes, proteins, and lubricants to help keep your eyes health.
If your eyes don't make the right amount of tears or the right kind of tears, your tear film can break down. This can create dry spots on the surface of the eyes. When this happens, your eyes become dry and easily irritated. This can lead to damage on the surface of your eyes and the symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye.
A healthy tear film
Over time, if dry eye is not treated, it may get worse and lead to more serious conditions, such as
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A. The symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye can be different for each person. Common symptoms include
- Dryness
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort caused by wind, smoke, pollen, and airborne elements
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Some people who suffer from Chronic Dry Eye use artificial tears. Over time, some people need them more and more. They may also find that using different kinds of brands of eye drops aren't enough. Using artificial tears can help moisten the eyes, but they only provide temporary or short term relief.
The symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye may interfere with certain daily activities, making the more difficult to do-such as reading, looking at a computer, or driving at night. |
A. Right now, there is no cure for Chronic Dry Eye. But, there are treatment options available to help manage it.
- Artificial tears can lubricate your eyes and may give you temporary relief of your eye symptoms. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend REFRESH® Brand Lubricant Eye Drop products
- Prescription medications are available. Talk to your eye doctor about which options may work best for you.
- Tear duct plugs, also known as punctal plugs, are silicone plugs that can b inserted by your eye doctor. They close the ducts that drain tears out of your eye
Remember, only your eye doctor can determine which treatment is the best choice for managing your dry eye condition.
Do you have Chronic Dry Eye? The only way to find out is to talk to your eye doctor. Ask questions. Tell your doctor about
The more information you give your eye doctor, the more it will help your doctor choose the treatment that works best for you. |
A. Anyone can suffer from Chronic Dry Eye. The aging process, as well as some health conditions, can affect how your eyes make tears, such as
- Hormonal changes related to aging, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause
- Thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies
- Medical conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
Many people mistake Chronic Dry Eye for allergies or just "eyestrain." While these may aggravate Chronic Dry Eye symptoms, they are not the cause. There are other factors that can make your dry eye symptoms worse, such as
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