Dry Eye Care from An Optometrist in San Bernardino,

Riverside, and Fontana

Do you feel like your eyes are frequently burning or stinging? If you do feel these, you probably a relatively common condition known as dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome arises when there aren't enough tears to keep the eyes hydrated, if they are not in good quality, or when they dry up too fast. Dry eye is unpleasant to live with, but our optometrists at Macias Eye Medical Centers in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Fontana can create a treatment plan to minimize the symptoms. 

A Few Reasons Why Dry Eye Happens

Various factors could be the reason why you have dry eye syndrome. The main cause for it, though, is age. Getting older reduces the tears production, which triggers dry eye. Taking certain medications or having particular conditions can also bring about dry eye syndrome. If it is dry, windy, or smoky outside, your tears can dry up, which can activate the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye. A side effect of laser surgery is dry eye, so if you had one recently, it could be the reason why you have dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Feeling like there is something in your eye
Stinging, scratching, or burning in your eyes
Stringy mucus in the eye
Redness of the eye
Sensitivity to light
Blurry vision
Eye fatigue
Difficulty driving at night
Trouble wearing contacts

Diagnosing Dry Eye

An eye exam can diagnose dry eye syndrome. In an eye exam, our optometrists will review your medical history, check your eyes, and test your vision. After we examine your eye health and vision, and if we believe you have dry eyes, we will perform a Schirmer’s test. This exam measures how many tears you produce with a blotting strip. A Schirmer’s test helps us to make an accurate diagnosis of dry eye.

Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye syndrome can be treated easily with artificial tear drops as they give your eyes the moisture needed to remain hydrated. However, in some cases, our optometrists may need to recommend other forms of treatment to reduce your symptoms, such as using a medication like Restasis, eye inserts, or punctal plugs.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are suffering from the symptoms of dry eye, schedule an appointment with Macias Eye Medical Centers. We treat patients in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Fontana. Our eye doctors can create a treatment plan to relieve you of your symptoms. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 909-885-3933.