Bristol, CT
Dry Eye Specialist
Bristol, CT
Dry Eye Specialist
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes
If you feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, you could be suffering from dry eye. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Identifying the root cause of your dry eye is crucial to getting the treatment you need to relieve discomfort. At Family Eye Care, our dry eye specialists in Bristol, Connecticut have the expertise and technology to properly diagnose and treat dry eye.
Causes of dry eye in Bristol, CT
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are small oil glands in the eyelids that secrete an oil that lubricates the eyes and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands get clogged or inflamed, it can lead to dry eye.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, using oral contraceptives, and menopause
- Certain medications such as antihistamines and decongestants
- Certain diseases and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid problems
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Exposure to cold, smoke, and dry climates
- Activities like driving, reading, computer use, or watching TV cause you to blink less often, and blinking less can also cause dry eye.
Common dry eye symptoms in Bristol, CT
One of the most noticeable signs of dry eye is a persistent burning sensation in the eyes. Other symptoms include:
- Stinging or itching eyes
- A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Increased light sensitivity
- Eye pain or redness
- Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes
- Blurry vision
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
How is dry eye diagnosed in Bristol, CT?
At Family Eye Care, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine if dry eye or another condition is causing your symptoms. During your comprehensive eye exam, we’ll conduct a series of tests to assess your tear production, quality, and stability. We may also examine the surface of your eye and your meibomian glands to look for signs of dry eye.
Dry eye treatment technology
Once we’ve diagnosed your dry eye, our eye doctor will create a customized treatment plan to help reduce dryness and discomfort and improve your overall eye health. In mild cases, we may recommend lifestyle changes like avoiding environmental triggers, using a humidifier, or taking regular breaks from screens. For severe cases, we offer the following dry eye treatment options in our Bristol office:
ZEST
One of the innovative treatments we provide is ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment). This unique system helps clean and hydrate the eyelids, promoting healthy tear production and reducing inflammation. By using ZEST regularly, patients can experience improved comfort and reduced dryness in their eyes.
Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep tears on the surface of the eye longer. This results in increased moisture and relief from dryness.
Meibomian gland expression
Another popular treatment option we provide is meibomian gland expression. This procedure involves applying gentle pressure to the eyelids to release blocked oils from the meibomian glands. By unclogging these glands, we can improve the quality of your tears and reduce dryness in your eyes. Meibomian gland expression is a quick and painless procedure that can provide long-lasting relief for patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.
Schedule a dry eye exam in Bristol, CT
Dry eye can be effectively managed with proper care and regular eye exams performed by an optometrist. If you suffer from dry eye, our eye doctors can help you determine the underlying cause and find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment for an eye exam at our office today.