May 2017 - The Eye Surgery Institute

Do I Have Dry Eyes

You may not realize that your eyes are dry. The symptoms of dry eyes can vary. You may have a foreign body sensation in your eyes with a gritty, stinging, burning or scratchy sensation. In addition, you may have blurry vision especially with concentrated tasks such as reading, on your computer, watching television or driving for a long period of time. Usually the vision is better when you initially start these tasks but blurs after a period of time.

What is Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes | Alaina Kronenberg MD | Eye Surgery Institute

Dry eyes is an often chronic condition where the eyes don’t produce either enough tears or good quality of tears to keep the surface of the eye healthy and comfortable. Dry eyes can become more common as you age. It is also often influenced by the amount of screen time. Often oral medications you may be taking for other conditions can worsen dry eye.

Diagnosis

Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can perform a comprehensive eye examination. Often dry eyes can be diagnosed after taking a history of your symptoms and looking at the eyelids and ocular surface with a slit lamp. It is important to look for other eye diseases that can also contribute to discomfort. We also provide tear osmolarity testing to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment

If you have not already tried over the counter products, we may initially ask you to use artificial tears during the day and somtimes ointment at bedtime. If you have already tried these products or your condition is more severe, we may start you on prescription products.

It is also important to treat any other eye conditions such as blepharitis and ocular allergies. Sometimes a plug into the tear duct (punctal plugs) can be useful in managing dry eyes. It is important to realize there is no cure for dry eyes, but our job is to make your eyes as comfortable as possible.

Eye Myths

There is a lot of information your friends or family may say about your eyes. Do you ever wonder if what they say is really true? Should you follow their advice? There is a lot of confusion regarding what is really true about your eye health. Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can discuss your concerns in our office. Here is some information regarding common eye myths.

Myth: My Children Should Not Sit Too Close to the TV

Your children will not suffer any damage to their eyes if they sit too close to the television. If your child insists on sitting close, you may want to schedule a comprehensive eye examination to ensure that no glasses are needed and that no other eye problems are present.

Myth: If My Eye Doctor Feels I Need a Stronger Glasses Prescription, I Will Become Too Dependent on the Glasses if I Fill the Prescription

It is important to wear glasses with the correct prescription to provide the best vision possible. Your eyes will not worsen if you wear the correct pair of glasses or contacts. Children’s glasses prescription can often get stronger in the teenage years. Having the proper prescription in their glasses will allow them to see properly at school, for sports and for when the start to drive.

Myth: It is Dangerous to Wear Someone Else’s Glasses

Wearing another person’s glasses may cause a headache, eye strain and blurry vision. It will not cause any permanent damage to your eyes. It is important to have a comprehensive eye examination and be checked for glasses.

If I Use My Eyes Will They Wear Out?

Using your eyes for daily activities will not cause any damage to your eyes. You cannot damage your eyes by reading too much, being on your computer too much or watching too much television. Your eyes may feel tired and fatigued from the concentrated tasks though.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan 48126