Dry eye syndrome can make daily life uncomfortable, interfering with your ability to read, work, or even enjoy outdoor activities. Although symptoms like dryness, redness, and irritation may seem manageable at first, if left untreated, they can worsen.
Fortunately, Buena Vista Eyecare Optometry offers a variety of effective solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs, from medicated drops to advanced diagnostics like the InflammaDry test.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes dry eye, common symptoms, and treatment options that help restore comfort at our San Jose eye clinic.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can be triggered by aging, environmental factors, or health conditions that reduce tear production. Common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Persistent dryness
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Itchy or burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that clears with blinking
These symptoms not only affect the comfort of your eyes but can also reduce overall eye health if untreated. Our team helps patients find lasting relief by focusing on dry eye solutions that address the underlying causes of your condition.
Advanced Treatment Options for Dry Eye Relief
In addition to lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, taking regular screen breaks, and using a humidifier, our comprehensive dry eye treatments include:
- 1. Medicated Eye Drops: For many patients, eye drops are a crucial part of dry eye management. Unlike over-the-counter artificial tears, medicated drops address underlying inflammation, which is often a key contributor to chronic dry eye symptoms.
- 2. Vitamins for Eye Health: Dietary supplements, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids, can play a significant role in reducing dryness. Omega-3s are proven to reduce inflammation and support tear production, which can alleviate symptoms in patients with mild to moderate dry eye syndrome.
Diagnosing Dry Eye: The InflammaDry Test
One of the challenges in treating dry eye is understanding the specific cause and degree of inflammation in each case. The InflammaDry test provides a solution to this by detecting elevated levels of a biomarker associated with eye inflammation. This quick and painless test provides accurate insights into the inflammation level in your eyes, enabling our team to develop a more targeted treatment plan.
The process is quite simple and painless. It involves collecting a small tear sample from your eyes and then analyzing it to measure the level of inflammation. By accurately identifying the presence and severity of inflammation, we'll be able to better personalize your treatment.
Personalized Treatment for Lasting Relief
Our approach focuses on developing a personalized plan that addresses each patient’s specific needs and symptoms. After an initial consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests, our team will recommend the most effective solutions, combining advanced treatment methods, lifestyle guidance, and continuous monitoring for the best possible outcomes.
Request A Dry Eye Consultation in San Jose
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, you don't have to let them continue to disrupt your life. Early detection and personalized treatment are key to managing dry eye effectively, and our team at Buena Vista Eyecare Optometry in San Jose is here to help.
Schedule an InflammaDry test and discover a treatment plan that brings you relief and comfort.