See Your Eye Doctor Near Boston Today For Dry Eye Relief
Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from dry eyes, a chronic condition that can lead to corneal damage and other eye-related problems unless it’s treated promptly by a skilled optometrist. Dr. Patricia Fox is a leading eye doctor near Boston, with significant experience in the diagnosis and long-term management of dry eyes in patients throughout the greater Boston area. At Eyes Over Copley, Dr. Fox uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and assess dry eye (also called dry eye syndrome), enabling her to prescribe just the right treatment for relief of symptoms and improved eye health.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic eye condition that occurs when the surface of the eye doesn’t receive enough moisture and lubrication. Without prompt treatment, the irritation and inflammation of dry eye can eventually lead to corneal damage and scarring, which in turn can cause vision loss.
What causes dry eyes?
Tear-related problems are the primary causes of chronic dry eye. Tears are necessary for washing away irritants and germs and for preventing the eye’s surface from drying out. Without adequate, high-quality tears, infections and other problems become more likely. Tear problems can include issues that affect the quality of the tears themselves, problems with the amount of tears being produced, and issues that affect the way the tears are distributed across the surface of the eye. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms to ensure the most appropriate treatment is provided. Dry eyes are more common among people with underlying medical conditions including autoimmune diseases and thyroid diseases, and they can also occur as a result of long-term contact lens wear or following some eye surgeries like
LASIK. The condition is also more common among people who spend long periods of time each day staring at computer screens or performing other close-up work.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
Dry eyes can cause many symptoms, including:
- itchy eyes
- burning eyes
- watery eyes
- blurry vision
- eye fatigue
- eyes that feel “heavy”
- sensitivity to bright light
- eye redness
- gritty sensations or foreign body sensations (the feeling that an object is “sticking in” your eye)
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often interfere with normal activities.
How does an optometrist treat dry eye syndrome?
Your optometrist will begin treatment with a comprehensive eye exam to confirm the diagnosis of dry eye and to assess the extent of your symptoms and any potential corneal damage that may have occurred. Once the dry eye has been diagnosed, treatment options include special prescription eye drops to lubricate the eye surface, drops that promote the natural production of tears, and lifestyle changes like taking frequent breaks when using a computer or doing other intense work. In some cases, minor procedures may be recommended to unblock tear ducts or address other issues. Patients who wear contact lenses may need to switch to glasses until their symptoms are under control to reduce their risks of corneal damage.
Schedule an Exam Eye Today with our Eye Doctor in Boston Today!
Dr. Patricia Fox has gained a reputation as a trusted, skilled eye doctor in Boston, with a deep commitment to her patient’s needs and extensive experience in state-of-the-art treatments for dry eyes and other eye conditions and diseases. If you have any unusual vision or eye-related symptoms, getting care right away is imperative for preserving your vision and your eye health. Call Eyes Over Copley at (617) 859-0630 and schedule your eye exam today.
