Dry Eye Treatment in St. Charles, Missouri
Dry, irritated eyes can make even the simplest parts of your day uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms come and go or seem to be getting worse, Dr. Michael E. Weigle, O.D., will help you find the cause and recommend treatment that helps your eyes feel comfortable again.
Do Your Eyes Feel Dry, Tired, or Irritated?
If your eyes burn, water throughout the day, or constantly feel gritty, you're not alone. Many people assume these symptoms are simply part of getting older or spending too much time in front of a screen, but they can also be signs of dry eye disease.
Here in St. Charles, changing seasons, spring allergies, long hours at the computer, and even the dry air from winter heating or summer air conditioning can contribute to dry eye symptoms. The good news is you don't have to simply live with the discomfort. We're here to help you find relief.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Your eyes depend on a healthy tear film to stay comfortable, clear, and properly lubricated. Dry eye disease is when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to burning, irritation, blurry vision, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
Dry eye symptoms often come and go, and many people notice they're worse later in the day after reading, working on a computer, or spending time outdoors.
Why Do My Eyes Feel Dry?
Dry eye isn't always caused by a lack of tears. In many cases, your eyes produce tears, but they don't keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. That's why some people experience watery eyes even though they're dealing with dry eye.
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including
- Aging
- Certain medications
- Health conditions
- Allergies
- Environmental factors
Spending long hours on a computer, using digital devices, or moving between heated indoor spaces in the winter and air-conditioned buildings during the summer can also make symptoms worse.
Is Dry Eye Causing Your Symptoms?
Dry eye doesn't feel the same for everyone. Some people notice occasional irritation, while others struggle with symptoms every day. If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a dry eye evaluation.
- Burning or stinging eyes
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Discomfort with contact lenses
First, Find the Cause of Your Dry Eye
No two people experience dry eye the same way, which is why treatment starts with a conversation. Our St. Charles optometrist will talk with you about your symptoms, your daily routine, and when your eyes tend to bother you most. He'll also evaluate your eye health to better understand what's causing your discomfort. Once we know what's behind your dry eye symptoms, we can recommend treatment that's tailored to your needs.
Treating Dry Eye in St. Charles
Dry eye doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution. Once Dr. Weigle understands what's contributing to your symptoms, he'll recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
Prescription Eye Drops
For many patients, prescription eye drops can help improve tear quality, reduce inflammation, or increase natural tear production. Dr. Weigle will recommend the medication that's best suited to your symptoms.
Restasis®
Restasis® is a prescription eye drop that's used to increase your eyes' natural tear production. Dr. Weigle will let you know if Restasis® is an appropriate treatment option for your eyes and what you can expect during treatment.
Ongoing Dry Eye Management
Dry eye isn't always something that can be resolved overnight. Some patients benefit from ongoing care to keep their symptoms under control and maintain comfortable vision throughout the year.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation
If dry, irritated eyes are affecting your comfort or your vision, we're here to help. Contact Michael E. Weigle – The Optical Shop to schedule a dry eye evaluation and learn which treatment options may be right for you.