Join Our Fight Against Dry Eye Syndrome
According to the National Eye Institute, nearly five million Americans ages 50 and older are estimated to have dry eye. As one of the most common eye conditions, dry eye is a collection of widely different symptoms that can be induced by various health and lifestyle factors. This is usually caused by an imbalance in the amount of tears secreted by the eyes.
As the leading clinic for eye care in Alexandria, Crystal City, Falls Church and Reston, we perform advanced diagnostic tests to assess the conditions of your eyes and tears, as well as offer expert recommendations on the most effective tailored treatment for your needs. If you have concerns about dry eye syndrome, read on to learn more about what we can do for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. There are cases when a patient actually experiences watery eyes while suffering from this condition. However, it’s still best to know some of the most common signs that indicate you have dry eye. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome and can benefit from an in-depth examination:
- Itchy eyes
- Heavy eyes
- Fatigued eyes
- Burning sensation
- Aching sensation
- Dryness sensation
- Blurred vision
- Red eyes
- Photophobia or light sensitivity
- Sore eyes
Top Causes of Dry Eye
When you have dry eye, the glands supposed to moisturize your eyes don’t produce enough tears. In some cases, tears have a problematic chemical composition, causing them to evaporate quickly. Dry eye can be caused by a lot of factors. One cause is it might be a part of the natural aging process, especially among women ages 40 and above. Dry eye can also be caused as a side effect of various medications, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and antihistamines. You can also suffer from dry eye when you live in a dry or windy climate with very low humidity.
Treatment for Dry Eye at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry
We offer many advanced treatments to help patients experience relief from dry eye including topical eye drops, prescription eye drops, lid hygiene, dry eye vitamins and MiboFlo. MiboFlo is a treatment that applies heat to the upper and lower lids in order to liquify the meibomian gland secretions. Think of it as a “spa treatment” for your eyes. MiboFlo treatment is available at our Crystal City and Reston locations.
Have your Eyes Checked for Dry Eye Today
If you suspect you have dry eye or need help managing your existing dry eye, please make an appointment with our eye care specialists. You can schedule an eye exam by calling us at one of our locations or by filling out our online contact form. Our six eye care centers are open from Monday to Friday and every location except Crystal City is open on Saturday for your convenience.
