Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common condition that causes the eyes to feel itchy, irritated, and depleted of moisture. Barbara Dune, OD, and the team at Serenity I Care in Hartford, Connecticut, deliver comprehensive care for dry eyes. After a thorough eye evaluation, the team may recommend artificial tears, ointments, and other medications to replenish the moisture in your eyes. Call the optometry clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes occur when you produce too few tears or the moisture you make is of low quality. When you blink, your eyes create a film of tears that spread over their surface. This film keeps the eyes nourished and moisturized. There are three layers:

Oily layer

The outer layer of tears is oily to keep the eyes from drying out. The meibomian glands in the outer edge of the eyelids produce this layer, ensuring the eye’s surface remains smooth.

Watery layer

The lacrimal glands in the eyelids create the tears’ watery layer to wash away bacteria, particles, and other irritants to protect the eyes.

Mucus layer

The mucus layer is the innermost part of a tear. Made in the white portion of the eye called the conjunctiva, the mucus layer allows tears to spread and cling to the eyes.

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and cause persistent irritation. At Serenity I Care, the team provides comprehensive care to treat this condition.

What are the signs of dry eyes?

The signs of dry eyes can vary, but they typically include:

• Stinging or burning
• Scratchy or gritty feeling
• Strings of mucus in your eyes
• Red eyes
• Fatigued eyes
• Blurred vision
• Pain when wearing contact lenses

Dry eyes can also increase your tear production to combat irritation. Your eyes may seem excessively watery or filled with mucus if you have dry eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

Healthy tear production is essential to moisturize the eyes and wash away bacteria. Common risk factors for dry eyes include:

• Older age
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid disease
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Dust, wind, and other environmental factors
• High screen time

Tear production naturally decreases with age. As you get older, your optometrist at Serenity I Care may recommend adding eye drops to your care plan to minimize your risk of dry eyes and prevent irritation.

How are dry eyes treated?

Dry eyes are usually manageable with proper care. After a comprehensive eye exam at Serenity I Care, the team may recommend:

• Artificial tears 
• Eyelid cleansing pads
• Prescription ointments
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Tear duct plugs
• Prescription eye drops

Many lifestyle changes can also minimize discomfort from dry eyes, including quitting smoking, reducing your screen time, and investing in a humidifier.

Call Serenity I Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about dry eyes.