Dry Eye Therapy | Radiant Eyecare

Dry Eyes, No More

If you’ve heard of the term dry eyes, you may just think of them as a feeling or a symptom. However, dry eyes or dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition affecting many Americans. But you don’t have to suffer through the symptoms of red, gritty-feeling eyes. We can help.

Our experienced optometrist Dr. Nguyen and her optical care team can diagnose this condition and alleviate your symptoms with appropriate remedies. It all starts with a visit to our clinic in Cypress.

Request appointment

Dry Eye Syndrome 101

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome refers to a condition whereby the eyes either do not make enough tear film to keep them sufficiently lubricated, or the tear film evaporates too rapidly.

So let’s talk about tear film. What is that, you ask? The tear film is crucial for keeping our eyes healthy and functioning as they should. It’s produced by a small, almond-shaped gland called the lacrimal gland. The tear film has several functions, including:

Protecting and lubricating the eyes
Reducing the risk of eye infection
Washing away foreign particles
Keeping the surface of the eyes smooth and clear

The tear film is not only made of water—it’s actually a complex combination of substances, including oils and proteins.

Causes & Symptoms of Dry Eye

It’s not always known what exactly causes dry eyes, but we do our best to uncover the source. However, certain factors make this chronic condition more likely, including:

Aging (dry eyes are more common in patients over the age of 50)
Wearing contact lenses
Spending extended time in air-conditioned or heated environments
Spending time exposed to wind, dry air, or dusty air
Having certain medical conditions such as lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome
Taking medications for certain conditions, including some medications for depression and high blood pressure

When is comes to symptoms, you won’t be surprised to learn that one of the primary signs of dry eyes is dry eyes. In addition to that tell-tale sign, other indicators of dry eyes can include:

A gritty feeling in the eyes
A sense of a foreign substance trapped in the eyes
Redness of the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Eyes that water more than normal
Blurred vision

Can Dry Eyes Be Treated?

Fortunately, we can usually treat dry eyes relatively easily. During your appointment with Dr. Nguyen, she will assess the level of your dry eyes and treat them accordingly.

For most people, treating dry eyes with prescription eye drops helps alleviate their symptoms. If those are unsuccessful, other treatments are available, including gels, ointments, and punctal plugs. In extreme cases, Dr. Nguyen can treat your dry eyes with a special technology called LipiFlow, which uses electronic pulses to stimulate the glands to produce more tear film.No matter how severe your symptoms are, Dr. Nguyen will strive to find a treatment solution that suits you and brings your eyes some much-needed comfort. She’ll also recommend some excellent omega-3 supplements to maintain your eye health. Say goodbye to dry eyes!

Request Appointment

Visit Us in Cypress

You can find us easily in Suite 180 of the Cypress Creek Plaza shopping mall, which has ample parking and plenty of restaurants and shops to visit after your eye care appointment.