Dry Eye Care In Murfreesboro, TN

Dry eye is a relatively common condition. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears to keep them adequately hydrated. It can also happen if the tears that you do create are of poor quality, and they dry up before they can lubricate your eyes. Fortunately, Dr. Dennis from Dennis Eye Care in Murfreesboro, TN, can treat this condition with several treatment methods.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

The symptoms of dry eye can be very uncomfortable, and they include:

• Feeling like there is something in your eye
• Burning sensation
• Scratchy, watery, or red eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Unable to wear contacts

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Dry eye can easily be diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Dr. Dennis will perform a few eye and vision tests along with a test that measures the volume of your tears, which is called a Schirmer’s test. During this exam, our optometrist places a blotting strip under your lower eyelid. After a few minutes, he will check to see how many tears were soaked up.

How Is Dry Eye Treated?

The dry eye care that our optometrist recommends depends on the severity of your condition. Your treatment option may include:

• Artificial Tears: In mild to moderate cases, artificial tears help keep your eyes lubricated. You can get these drops from our optometrist or your local drug store.
• Eye Inserts: For moderate to severe dry eye, Dr. Dennis can prescribe eye inserts that work like artificial tears. The inserts are the size of a grain of rice and are placed between your eye and eyelid. Throughout the day, they will gradually dissolve, which will release the eye lubricant.
• Closing Your Tear Ducts: In severe cases, we may recommend closing your tear ducts to prevent tear loss. Punctal plugs are tiny silicone plugs that are removable. If our eye doctor finds that the punctal plugs are working well, the ducts can be plugged permanently though a procedure called thermal cautery.

Contact Us Today To Start on Your Dry Eye Care Treatment

If you are suffering from dry eye, schedule an appointment with Dennis Eye Care in Murfreesboro, TN. Dr. Dennis can create a treatment plan that will relieve you of your symptoms. Call 615-848-3008 today.