Dry eye is a condition in which a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.
With each blink of the eyelids, tears spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage is not in balance.
Stinging, burning, or irritated eyes
The feeling that something is in the eye
Interimttently watery eyes
Blurry vision in between blinks
Difficulty driving at night
Inability to wear contact lenses comfortably
After this thorough evaluation, we will be in a position to determine the type of dry eye that you have as well as the specific treatment protocol that will help you the most.
ESTABLISHED PATIENTS ONLY: If you have a true ocular emergency after hours please call 804-595-2020 and follow the prompts to contact a doctor. If the doctor cannot respond in a timely manner, please find the nearest emergency room.