Skip to main content
Home » What's New » Find Lasting Relief for Dry Eyes at Missouri Vision Care

Find Lasting Relief for Dry Eyes at Missouri Vision Care

Itchiness, grittiness, and irritated eyes are common signs of dry eye syndrome.

This eye condition can range from mild discomfort to more serious vision problems, affecting your daily life and overall eye health.

At Missouri Vision Care in Saint Charles, we diagnose and treat dry eyes, providing tailored solutions to relieve your symptoms and protect your eye health.

Here’s a closer look at the causes, symptoms, and the advanced treatment options available at our practice.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough quality tears. Since tears are essential for maintaining the moisture of the eyes, disruptions to this balance can lead to irritation, blurred vision, and other discomforts.

Understanding the underlying causes of dry eye can help you find the right treatment and relief.

Common Dry Eye Causes

Several factors can contribute to this eye condition, including:

  • Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eyes more common in people over 50
  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, menopause, or with the use of birth control, can reduce tear production.
  • Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital devices can reduce blink rates, leading to dryness.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry air, wind, or smoke can accelerate tear evaporation.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect tear production.
  • Certain Medications: Medications like antihistamines and decongestants can contribute to dryness.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Although symptoms can vary from person to person, common signs include:

  • Dryness or grittiness in the eyes
  • Itching or burning sensations
  • Blurred vision, especially after extended periods of reading or screen time
  • Redness or irritation
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Excessive tearing (a reaction to dryness)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation to determine the cause and find the most effective treatment.

Dry Eye Treatments at Missouri Vision Care

We offer a variety of dry eye treatments tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Some of the treatment options available at Missouri Vision Care include:

1. Artificial Tears and Eye Drops

For mild cases, we may recommend artificial tears to provide temporary relief by adding moisture to the eyes.

2. Prescription Medications

When dryness is more persistent and inflammation is a major factor, we may prescribe medications that help increase tear production and reduce inflammation of the glands responsible for producing tears.

3. Punctal Plugs

To conserve the tears you produce, tiny devices called punctal plugs may be inserted into your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This procedure is minimally invasive and provides effective dry eye relief.

4. LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation Treatment

For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, which is caused by clogged oil glands, LipiFlow offers an effective treatment. It uses gentle heat and massage to unblock the oil glands, improving the quality of your tears and providing long-lasting relief.

5. Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments

In addition to medical treatments, our optometrist may recommend lifestyle changes or adjustments to your environment to help manage your case of dry eye.

This can include using a humidifier, taking frequent breaks from screens, eating food rich in omega-3, and wearing protective eyewear outdoors.

Schedule your Dry Eye Evaluation in Saint Charles

At Missouri Vision Care, we offer advanced solutions to help you find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment with us to receive a personalized evaluation and experience relief for your dry eye condition.