Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eye. Dryness, scratching and burning of your eyes are all signes of dry eye syndrome (keratitis Sicca). Often the a foreign body sensation of having something in your eye is also a symptom. Watery eyes can also result from dry eyes. This excessive tearing happens because the excessive dryness overstimulates production of the watery component of the eye’s tear.

There are many different causes of dry eyes. Different hormone levels, certain types of medications, and environment conditions can all play a factor in dry eye syndrom. There are many different ways to manage dry eyes. Artificial tears and lubricating drops are the most common way to help dry eyes. In sever cases temporary or permanent silicone plugs are inserted in the tear (lacrimal) ducts to keep the tears in the eye from draining away as quickly. These plugs can be inserted painlessly while you're in the doctor's office and are normally not felt once inserted.

With Calgary being a very dry climate contact lens wearers often suffer from dry eyes. If you are a contact lens wearer and dry eyes are a problem for you, your eyecare practitioner may want to switch your current contact lens to different lens material that retains more moisture. A higher water content contact will give you greater comfort and clearer vision.