Focusing on Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome, also commonly referred to as “dry eyes” or “dry eye”, can happen for a variety of reasons. For years, Eye Consultants of Texas has been treating dry eye patients across Dallas/Fort Worth, and we are continuing to expand treatment options to relieve our patients of the discomfort dry eyes can cause.

Dry eyes happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them properly lubricated. Symptoms can vary from stinging, burning, redness, or itching, to eye pain, sensitivity to light, a “gritty” feeling, increased eye irritation or eye fatigue. Tear production weakens as we age, which is why dry eyes has found to be more common in people over age 50 – even more so in those over 65 – with a higher number of women suffers than men. Causes can include certain blood pressure, anti-depressant, acne and other prescription medications; post-menopause, eyelid disorders, and other health issues.

Dry eyes has been a recognized condition for many years. However, it was only until relatively recently that research showed a need for more focus. In 2007, the International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) report, widely considered the most important research to date, suggested that chronic dry eyes was perhaps more common than thought. The report estimated that nearly 5 million Americans 50 years of age or older suffered from dry eyes, and “tens of millions more have less severe symptoms.”

“We live in a world that is ripe for so many dry eye causes,” said Eye Consultants of Texas founder, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD. “We’re spending a lot of time in front of the computer. We’re taking more medications, our air quality isn’t what it used to be, and we have a larger aging population. These and other facts of life may contribute to an increase in patients experiencing dry eye symptoms. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that, in the majority of cases, it is easily treatable.”

Dry eyes is one of many specialties we offer at our offices in Grapevine, and we are adopting the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatments for our dry eye patients. If you suspect you may have dry eyes, we have specialists that can help. Call us at 877-516-4364 to set up an appointment or learn more. We’re located in Grapevine, convenient to the entire Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Look for subsequent blogs about dry eyes coming soon.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/focusing-on-dry-eye-syndrome/

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