Dry Eyes Specialist
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Bryan Ma O.D. Optometry Inc.
Bryan Ma, O.D.
Optometry located in Orange, CA
Dry eyes affect 10-30% of all adults, where they cause itchy, red, downright uncomfortable eyes. Even worse is that when dry eyes go untreated, they can progress to cause serious complications. Dr. Bryan Ma has the expertise to get to the underlying cause of your dry eyes and help you find symptom relief. To schedule an appointment, call the doctor’s practice, Bryan Ma, O.D. Optometry in Orange, California, or book an appointment online.
Dry Eyes Q & A
What causes dry eyes?
Every time you blink, the movement spreads a film of tears across your eyes. These tears are essential for your eye health, as they provide lubrication and nourishment.
You can develop dry eyes when you don’t produce enough tears or when they evaporate too quickly. Your tears must also contain a specific proportion of oil, water, and mucus to work properly.
Dry eyes can develop due to:
Eye conditions
Most cases of dry eyes are caused by a problem with glands; either the glands that produce oil or those that produce tears. Inflammatory eye infections may also lead to dry eyes.
Medications
Many different types of medications cause dry eye as a side effect. Dr. Ma can sort through your medications to determine if they’re the culprit.
Medical conditions
Allergies, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the health conditions that can cause dry eyes.
Digital eye strain
When you spend time looking at electronic screens, whether your TV, smartphone or another device, you don’t blink as often, which leads to dry eyes.
Environmental irritants
You’re at risk for developing dry eyes if your eyes are often exposed to dry, dusty, or windy climates. Air blowing into your face from an air conditioner or furnace can also causes dry eyes.
What symptoms might I develop if I have dry eyes?
In addition to dry eyes, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Burning or painful eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Feeling like a foreign substance is in your eye
You may even develop excessive tearing despite having dry eyes because that’s a normal response to eye irritation.
How are dry eyes treated?
In chronic or severe cases of dry eye, the surface of your eye can dry out enough to become susceptible to infections, scarring, thinning, and even perforation of the cornea. Early treatment can prevent complications from developing.
Treatment for dry eyes focuses on providing relief from your symptoms by adding moisture to your eyes. Dr. Ma often recommends these over-the-counter lubricating eye drops:
- Blink® Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
- Systane®
- Refresh® Repair
Dr. Ma recommends brand-name products because generic products don’t work as well when it comes to dry eyes. You’ll also get optimal relief when you follow the recommended regimen that comes with the product. In most cases, it’s important to use the eye drops three times daily.
When over-the-counter products don’t help, Dr. Ma may recommend prescription medications that increase tear production. In some cases, patients benefit from punctal plugs, which are inserted into your eye to stop tears from draining.
When your eyes are dry and irritated, call Bryan Ma, O.D. Optometry or book an appointment online.
