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Dry Eye

Set Your Sights on Clearer, More Comfortable Vision

If your eyes often sting or feel gritty and it’s sometimes hard to see clearly, you could have dry eye. This common eye condition may not sound serious, but it can be. Along with making you uncomfortable, if untreated, it can damage the surface of your eye and cause other problems.

The eye specialists at Emory Eye Center can help you take control of dry eye. With expert diagnosis and treatment, you can feel and see better.

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Why Choose Emory Healthcare?

Eye doctors at Emory Healthcare specialize in all types of vision disorders. They provide exceptional patient care. And they serve on the faculty at Emory University School of Medicine. Because they train the doctors of tomorrow, they’re up to date on the latest research findings. Often, they’re among those advancing our knowledge of eye diseases and eye care.

What is Dry Eye?

Normally, fluid covers the surface of your eyes. It lubricates, protects and nourishes the organs. Dry eye occurs when there’s a problem with this layer of fluid known as the tear film.

Your eyes may not make enough tears, or you may have poor-quality tears. Or the tears you produce may dry up too quickly. Inadequate tears can lead to troubling symptoms and affect the quality of your vision.

Ultimately, eye irritation can result in chronic inflammation and more damage to your tear film. Eventually, your cornea may become damaged.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include: 
  • A sandy or gritty feeling, as if something is in the eye  
  • Difficulty reading, working on a computer or doing any activity that requires you to pay close attention with your eyes  
  • Episodes of blurred vision  
  • Eye fatigue  
  • Eye pain and redness  
  • Heavy eyelids 
  • Periods of excess tears, followed by periods when the eyes seem very dry 
  • Stinging or burning of the eye  
  • Stringy eye discharge  
  • Uncomfortable contact lenses 

Dry Eye Risk Factors

Dry eye can affect anyone. However, your risk increases if you: 
  • Are age 50 or older  
  • Are female  
  • Don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin A in your diet  
  • Take certain medications 
  • Wear contact lenses  
  • Have certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or Sjogren syndrome, a condition that affects moisture-making glands 

Dry Eye Treatments

Treatment for dry eye may depend on the cause of your condition. Doctors focus on improving your symptoms and vision and preventing eye damage. Doctors may recommend a variety of treatments including changes to your environment or lifestyle habit, over-the-counter products or prescription medicines.

We offer complete treatment options for dry eye and other eye conditions.

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Emory Healthcare doctors provide specialized treatment and research the latest advancements.

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To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

 

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