Dry Eye Treatment in Mukilteo
Do your eyes feel dry, itchy, or burning? You may be suffering from dry eye syndrome.
Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable—they are also unhealthy. Your dry, itchy eyes may be a symptom of an underlying eye problem.
Fortunately, the eye care professionals at Advanced Eyecare of Mukilteo can diagnose the underlying cause of your dry eye and prescribe a treatment to bring you relief.
Make your appointment today by calling (425) 315-8300 or schedule online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye is a condition in which your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to moisturize and nourish your eyes. Optometrists refer to dry eye as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye syndrome.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- Irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes
- Feeling like there is something in your eye
- Excess watering
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
What are the treatments for dry eye?
Treatments for dry eye are not only centered around adding artificial tears to your eyes, but rather to improving your eyes’ ability to produce better quality tears. This ultimately focuses on treating the underlying conditions causing dry eye.
Why do my eyes need tears?
Every time you blink, your eyelids spread tears over the surface of your eye. These tears provide lubrication, wash away foreign matter, keeps the surface of your eye smooth and clear, and reduces your risk of an eye infection.
Where do tears come from?
Tear glands, situated just above each of your eyeballs, produce tears. Also known as a lacrimal gland, a tear gland is about the size and shape of an almond.
Where do tears go?
Excess tears drain through tiny tear ducts into your nose. This physiology is why your nose runs when you cry.
What is in tears?
Tears have three main layers: oil, water, and mucin. Each layer nourishes and protects the front surface of your eye. Tears are mostly made of water. The oil layer prevents the water from evaporating too quickly. Mucin helps spread the tears evenly over the eye’s surface.
In addition, the tears contain a variety of components to help protect against infection and to nourish the cells that cover the eye.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when your eyes produce tears of poor quality.
What is a poor quality tear?
A poor quality tear does not have the proper balance of oil, water, and mucin. Inadequate oil allows the water to evaporate too quickly, for example, leaving the eye dry.
If you have dry eye, Advanced Eyecare of Mukilteo can help. Our eye care professionals have the training, diagnostic tools, and expertise to diagnose and treat dry eye. Make your appointment today by calling (425) 315-8300 or schedule online.
