When to Seek Treatment for Dry Eyes

Dry, irritated eyes are a common issue that many people experience at some point. While occasional dryness may cause minor discomfort, it can become a chronic condition affecting daily life for some. If you’re struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, it may be time to seek professional care. 

At Keamy Eye & Laser Centre in Westborough, MA, Dr. Jean E. Keamy, a board-certified ophthalmologist with advanced training in surgical and diagnostic techniques, provides expert care to help relieve dry eyes. With years of experience, including a fellowship at the renowned Gimbel EyeCentre in Calgary, Dr. Keamy is committed to offering the best solutions for lasting relief.

What Are Dry Eye Symptoms?

Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes fail to produce sufficient tears or the proper tear quality needed to keep them lubricated and comfortable. Common symptoms include:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes
• Redness or irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes (which can be a reaction to dryness)

Although these symptoms might come and go, ongoing or worsening discomfort shouldn’t be overlooked. If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can result in complications like a higher risk of eye infections or damage to the eye’s surface.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

Many people try over-the-counter artificial tears or make lifestyle changes to alleviate dry eye symptoms. However, it may be time to consult a specialist if these measures don’t bring lasting relief. You should seek professional treatment if:

• Your symptoms persist for more than a few days despite using artificial tears or other home remedies.
• Your dry eye symptoms are disrupting everyday tasks like reading, working, or driving.
• You experience recurring redness, chronic irritation, or fluctuating vision.
• You work in conditions that may exacerbate your symptoms, such as spending long hours in front of a computer screen or air-conditioned environments.
• You have underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that can contribute to dry eye syndrome.

It’s important to address dry eye symptoms early to prevent long-term damage and improve your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome

At Keamy Eye & Laser Centre in Westborough, MA, we provide a range of advanced treatments tailored to your specific needs. After assessing the cause of your dry eyes, our experienced team will recommend one or more of the following options:

• LipiFlow: This in-office treatment uses thermal pulsation to unclog blocked meibomian glands, improving the quality of your tears and providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
• BlephEx: This gentle procedure is designed to cleanse the eyelids and remove debris and bacteria that contribute to dry eyes. By improving eyelid hygiene, BlephEx can reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Eye Drops: For some patients, prescription eye drops can effectively manage dry eyes by reducing inflammation and boosting tear production. These are often recommended for those with milder symptoms or as supplements to in-office treatments.

Protect Your Eye Health in Westborough, MA

Don’t let dry eyes disrupt your life. At Keamy Eye & Laser Centre, we offer advanced treatments to provide lasting relief. If you’re dealing with discomfort or blurred vision, call us at 508-836-8733 to schedule your consultation and start feeling better today.