Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes lack proper tear lubrication, affecting millions with burning, irritation, and blurred vision.
Key Takeaways
Cause: Poor tear quality, low production, or rapid tear evaporation.
Symptoms: Burning, grittiness, redness, and reflex watery eyes.
Triggers: Aging, screen time, contact lenses, and medications.
Care: Lubricating drops, lifestyle changes, and punctal plugs.
Without proper care, chronic dry eye can cause corneal surface damage. Schedule an evaluation with our Jacksonville team to find lasting relief.
Dry eyes can cause an array of symptoms, including:
Itching and burning sensations in the eye
“Foreign body” sensation as if an object is in your eye
Gritty sensation upon blinking
Excessive tearing and watery eyes
Blurry vision and eye redness
Tired, fatigued eyes during close-up work or screen time
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often worsen as the day wears on.
Dry eye syndrome is caused by problems with tear quality, distribution, or production. If tears evaporate too quickly or tear ducts become blocked, the eye surface becomes dry and irritated. Common causes include:
Older age and hormonal changes
Medications like antihistamines or blood pressure drugs
Autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren’s or thyroid disease
Environmental factors like smoke, wind, or dry air
Screen time and reading habits that reduce natural blinking
Contact lens wear
Dry eyes can be diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Chronic dry eyes can cause changes in the corneas (the clear surface over your pupil and iris).
During your exam, your eye doctor evaluates your corneas using specialized dyes to check tear distribution and assesses the overall quality and quantity of your tear film.
Most patients respond well to specialized lubricating eye drops. If tears evaporate too quickly, tiny punctal plugs can be placed in your tear drains to keep moisture on the eye surface longer. Avoiding dry environments and taking frequent screen breaks also helps relieve daily symptoms.
Yes. If left untreated, severe chronic dry eye can lead to corneal ulcers, surface scarring, and an increased risk of eye infections, which can impair long-term vision.
Excessive tearing is a reflex reaction. When your eyes become severely dry and irritated, your body floods the eye with watery reflex tears. However, these tears lack the essential protective oils needed to keep the eye surface lubricated.
Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into your natural tear drains. They block tears from draining away too quickly, keeping your natural moisture on the eye surface longer.
Without treatment, chronic dry eyes can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring. As a top eye care provider in Jacksonville, Florida Eye Specialists offers custom treatment solutions to restore eye health. Call (904) 268-3937 to schedule your exam today.
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