Dry Eye Facts
Many people experience dry eyes. The eye is largely composed of soft tissues and fluid and depends on tears to provide constant moisture, lubrication, and protection. Tears contain water, oils, mucus, special proteins and antibodies to resist infection so they do a lot more than just wash the eye’s surface.
SYMPTOMS:
When this tear system gets into trouble, the delicate surface of the eye is at risk.
Common symptoms are:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Pain
- Burning
- Grittiness
- Over-sensitivity to Light
- Feeling like there’s something in the eye
- Blurring of vision
CAUSES:
Dry eyes can be caused by a number of factors:
- imbalance in the tear-flow system,
- drying out of the tear film due to air conditioning, heat, other environmental conditions
- The natural aging process,
- Menopause
- Side effects of antihistamines and birth control pills
- Diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and vascular diseases.
- Any problems that prevent the eyes from closing properly or a blockages of the tear ducts
TREATMENT:
The first step in any treatment is a full eye exam. As dry eyes can have a number of causes it’s vital you get a full examination.
- Artificial tear drops and ointments. The use of artificial teardrops is the primary treatment for dry eye.
- Punctal plugs. These close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. The procedure is painless.
- Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.
- Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.
- Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of dry eyes, schedule a consultation and let our doctors recommend the best treatment.
Welcome
When I heard the words, "I only wish I'd done it sooner!" from so many patients, I began to think about ways to help future patients shorten the time they spend thinking about LASIK. The following are major questions most people have about whether they should replace their glasses and contacts with the clear natural vision that only LASIK can provide:
- What assurance can you give me that I'll achieve 20/20?
- How much of a risk will I be taking? What's the truth about complications?
- What makes you better than any other surgeon I might find in Charleston?
- How affordable is it really? Will it all be worth it?
We've designed this website so you can get answers to these questions easily. Pick a tab, start your journey, and may your life never be restricted by poor vision again!
About Your Eyes
Astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia (or the need for reading glasses due to age) and cataracts. These are the major vision conditions that reduce our enjoyment of life and create dependency on glasses and contacts. With today’s vision correction technologies, each one of these can be solved. Learn how here.
LASIK
LASIK solves the ‘refractive error’ that causes astigmatism, nearsightedness, far sightedness, and even presbyopia. Dr. David O’Day has performed more than 45,000 refractive procedures, making him one of the nation’s most experienced refractive surgeons.
Cataract Center
Cataracts come to all of us at some time, and usually start developing after the ages of 45-50. Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the world – and one of the safest. Advances in replacement lens technology (IOLs) mean that virtually anyone can gain freedom from the effects of cataracts – and achieve better vision than ever.
Cornea Center
The cornea is the clear, living tissue on the very front part of the eye. Occasionally, either through disease or injury, surgery is needed to restore full vision or arrest declining eyesight. Dr. David O’Day is skilled and experienced at performing the following corneal procedures
Comprehensive Eye Care
Some LASIK centers do 'only LASIK,' but LASIK is not necessarily right for everyone. At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, in addition to LASIK, we provide the full array of today’s eye care technologies: RK/AK, CK, ALK, excimer laser PRK, LASEK, Epi-K cataract surgery, intraocular lens implantation, corneal transplant surgery, surgical treatment of eye diseases, and general eye care.
Optical Shop
Visit our optical shop for the latest in high fashion, designer eyewear. We have a wide variety of designer eyewear including glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and supplies to fit your individual style. Our affordable, quality eyewear is easily customizable and also guaranteed.
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