Dry Eyes

Benjamin Optical Our Services Dry Eyes
Benjamin Optical - - Eye Center

Benjamin Optical

Eye Center & Optometrists located in Harlem, New York, NY, Inwood, NY, Brooklyn NY, & Staten Island, NY, East Rutherford, NJ

When your eyes are sufficiently lubricated, you don’t think much about your tears. When they’re dry, however, it’s hard not to think about them. Dry eyes aren’t just uncomfortable. They can affect your ability to see clearly. If you’re living with dry eyes in the Inwood, Harlem, Brooklyn, or Staten Island, New York, area, come to Benjamin Optical for relief. They offer a range of dry eye treatments. Call the office nearest you or schedule your appointment online to get started.

Dry Eyes Q & A

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when the eye doesn’t produce a sufficient amount or high enough quality of moisture to keep the eyes sufficiently lubricated. This condition is common, especially among older adults.

Dry eyes either happen because the eye doesn’t produce enough tears or because the quality of the tears produced is inferior.

Tears are much more complex than most people realize, consisting of three important components: water, oil, and mucus. Together, they help the tear spread throughout the eye and prevent it from evaporating too quickly.

When the eye doesn’t produce tears with all three components in the right ratio, the individual experiences dry eyes.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

A feeling of insufficiently moisturized eyes is, of course, the primary symptom of dry eyes. But it’s far from the only one. Other symptoms of dry eyes include:

  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • The feeling of something in your eye
  • Redness
  • Eye fatigue
  • Light sensitivity
  • Trouble driving at night
  • Discomfort when wearing contacts
  • Blurry vision

Another more surprising symptom of dry eyes is watery eyes. This is the body’s response to the eyes’ dryness. But if the quality of tears the eyes are producing is insufficient — even producing more of them won’t properly moisturize your entire eye.

What causes dry eyes?

A number of factors contribute to dry eyes. Some of them are environmental, like exposure to smoke or long hours spent staring at a computer screen. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause dry eyes.

Age and gender are other contributing factors — older adults and women are more likely to suffer from dry eyes.

Can dry eyes be treated?

Absolutely. Artificial tears can be very effective in treating mild dry eyes.

Benjamin Optical also offers treatments for individuals with more severe cases of dry eyes. Medicated eye drops, special contact lenses, and tear-stimulating medication can bring you some relief.

They can also explore punctal plugs with you. These very small silicone plugs stop up your tear ducts, preventing your eyes from draining as quickly so more of your tears stay in your eyes.

Benjamin Optical works with each of their patients living with dry eyes to find the most effective treatment to restore comfort and clear vision to their eyes. Call them or book your appointment online today.

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