Dry Eye Syndrome & Treatments

Closeup shot the face of a senior woman's eye — Munster, IN — Munster Eye Care Associates

Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. The eye stays moist and comfortable by producing tears slowly and steadily. Sometimes people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye. The eye uses two different methods to produce tears. It can make tears at a slow, steady rate to maintain normal eye lubrication. It can also produce large quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotion. When a foreign body or dryness irritates the eye or when a person cries, excessive tearing occurs. Call for an appointment today with Munster Eye Care Associates, P.C. in Munster, IN.

The usual symptoms include:

  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Scratchiness
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind
  • Excess tearing
  • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Different eyeglasses — Munster, IN — Munster Eye Care Associates

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR DRY EYES?

Excess tearing from “dry eye” may sound illogical, but it can be understood as the eye’s response to discomfort. If the tears responsible for maintaining lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. Eye irritation prompts the gland that makes tears (called the lacrimal gland) to release a large volume of tears, overwhelming the tear drainage system.

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