Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which there aren’t enough tears to lubricate the eye. These tears are necessary for clear vision and for optimal eye health. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, they can become uncomfortable and make it hard to see. At Lickteig Family Eyecare, our optometrists diagnose and treat dry eye. Serving Medford, Natick, and Dedham, MA, our team is committed to keeping your eye health and vision at their best.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for clear vision. Tears provide lubrication, help to reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in your eyes, and keep the surface of the eyes clear. People with dry eyes either don’t produce enough tears or have poor-quality tears. This can come from environmental factors, like smoke and wind, medications, health conditions, and more.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

People with dry eyes experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes.  They may also experience a feeling of having something in their eyes, excess watering, and even blurry vision.

Some common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

  • Red, burning, or itchy eyes
  • Mucus
  • Dryness
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye irritation
  • Lack of tears
  • Sore eyes
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

When left untreated, dry eye may even damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. This is why it’s so important to schedule an eye exam with our optometrist for eye care services.

Diagnosing and Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

At Lickteig Family Eye Care, we will perform a dry eye assessment during your eye exam to determine if you have an underlying condition. Should your eyes meet the criteria for dry eye, there are many treatments to help relieve your symptoms. Our optometrist also offers therapeutic remedies for more minor cases. We can give you lubricating eye drops or update your eyeglasses prescription to improve your vision, as well.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist for Dry Eye Treatment

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment so your condition does not worsen. At Lickteig Family Eye Care, one of our optometrists will perform an eye exam to diagnose your condition and provide treatment. We work with patients throughout Medford, Natick, and Dedham, MA. Call us today to schedule an appointment for an eye exam.