Dry Eyes Specialist
-
- Tweet
Eye Care of East Bay
Laser Eye Surgeons & Ophthalmologists located in Walnut Creek, CA
Dry eyes can be irritating and uncomfortable. The condition has many causes and can eventually begin to affect your eyesight if left untreated. Dr. Vahid Feiz and the staff of Eye Care of East Bay are available to help you find out what is causing the problem, as well as determine what treatment option will work best for you. If you live in the Walnut Creek, California area, call the office to schedule a yearly eye exam and find out what is causing your eyes to be excessively dry.
Dry Eyes
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes can have many causes. While blockages of the tear duct and the inability to produce enough tears are the most common reasons, others include:
- Severe allergies
- Exposure to high winds and extreme weather conditions
- Certain types of medications
- Collagen vascular diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Any of these conditions can cause your eyes to become dry and uncomfortable.
With a thorough examination of your eyes and a close look at any medications you may be taking on a regular basis, Dr. Feiz will be able to uncover the cause of your dry eyes and formulate a treatment plan that will protect them from further damage.
How are dry eyes treated?
Dr. Feiz can treat dry eyes in many different ways. Eye drops used several times throughout the day is the most common type of treatment. Creams or ointments may be used to keep your eyes moist while you're sleeping. In some cases, the evaporation of the fluid covering the eye may require Dr. Feiz to prescribe other treatments.
Dr. Feiz can temporarily place plugs in the small drain within the eye that allows excess fluid to drain away. If you're experiencing dry eyes, however, the drain is working too well, and your eye isn't able to maintain the level of moisture it needs to function efficiently.
What is a punctal plug?
A punctal plug is a temporary obstruction that Dr. Feiz can place in the small drainage hole that allows excess fluid to drain out of the eye. He uses the plug when the drain allows more fluid than necessary to leave the eye, resulting in excessive dryness and discomfort.
Also referred to as a tear duct plug, this is only a partial solution. Even though the plug is in place and the fluid can no longer drain, it can still evaporate. If this occurs, Dr. Feiz will prescribe eye drops that can be used throughout the day to ensure the eyes remain lubricated and moist.
