The eye relies on a constant flow of tears to provide lubrication and moisture for vision and comfort. Tears are secreted by special glands around the eye and when there is an imbalance in the tear film, dry eyes result. Symptoms may include pain, light sensitivity, a gritty sensation, itching, redness, blurry vision, or a feeling of a foreign body in the eye. In some cases, dry eye causes an excess of tears (known as “reflex tearing”).
Dry eyes can be diagnosed by your eye care specialist and treatments may include over the counter or prescription eye drops and ointments as well as nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fish oil. Severe dry eye can be treated with punctal plugs in a procedure known as punctal occlusion. This procedure uses tiny punctal plugs inserted into tear ducts to block drainage thus increasing the tear film on the surface of the eye.
California Eye Professionals eye specialists can give you additional information on this procedure.
California Eye Professionals has three central office locations in Temecula, Menifee, and Hemet, California. Each office offers general eye examinations and eye consults. Our optical boutiques featuring designer frames and contacts are available for patients to browse at each location.
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