Beckley, WV
Dry Eye Specialist
Beckley, WV
Dry Eye Specialist
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes
Everyone deals with dry, itchy eyes at some point in their lives, whether from too much screen time or spending time in a dry environment. However, if your dry eye symptoms persist or get worse, you may be suffering from a chronic condition called dry eye disease. If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes that just won’t go away, it’s time to visit our dry eye specialist in Beckley, West Virginia. Even if your symptoms seem mild, there could be an underlying issue causing your discomfort.
What is dry eye disease?
Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a chronic condition where your eyes are unable to produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Dry eye can often be mistaken for allergies or other conditions that have similar symptoms. If you think you may have dry eye syndrome, it’s important to visit Dr. Holliday for a proper diagnosis. If left untreated, severe dry eye may lead to more serious complications such as corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.
Common dry eye symptoms in Beckley, WV
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
- Dryness
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Stringy mucus
- Watery eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Common causes of dry eyes in Beckley, WV
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are tiny glands located along the edge of your eyelids that produce an oil called meibum. This oil helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly and maintains the moisture on the surface of your eyes. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to MGD. Symptoms of MGD include redness around the eyes, crusty eyelids, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Aging
- Environmental factors (such as wind, smoke, or a dry climate)
- Hormonal changes after menopause or during pregnancy
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Medications like antihistamines or decongestants
- Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Prolonged screen time
- Contact lens wear
- Eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery
Common causes of dry eyes in Beckley, WV
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are tiny glands located along the edge of your eyelids that produce an oil called meibum. This oil helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly and maintains the moisture on the surface of your eyes. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to MGD. Symptoms of MGD include redness around the eyes, crusty eyelids, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Aging
- Environmental factors (such as wind, smoke, or a dry climate)
- Hormonal changes after menopause or during pregnancy
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Medications like antihistamines or decongestants
- Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Prolonged screen time
- Contact lens wear
- Eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery
How is dry eye disease diagnosed in Beckley, WV?
At Beckley Vision Center, Dr. Holliday will ask about your symptoms and look for signs of dry eye during your comprehensive eye exam. He will carefully examine your eyelids, tears, and the surface of your eyes to see if you have dry eye. If you’re diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, he may recommend further testing or lifestyle changes and treatment options to help ease your symptoms.
Dry eye treatment in Beckley
Managing dry eye syndrome involves a combination of lifestyle changes and treatments. One of the simplest things you can do is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Using over-the-counter eye drops, known as artificial tears, can also help provide relief by adding moisture to your eyes. If you spend a lot of time in front of screens or in air-conditioned environments, taking regular breaks to rest your eyes can make a big difference. It may also help to wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors and to use a humidifier at home or work.
If at-home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t help, we may recommend other treatment options such as:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Punctal plugs (tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to help retain moisture)
- Treating oil glands
Visit our dry eye specialist in Beckley
Don’t let dry eye syndrome disrupt your life any longer. With the right treatment, you can find relief and improve your overall comfort and quality of life. If you suffer from dry eye, our dry eye specialist in Beckley, West Virginia provides comprehensive testing to identify the underlying cause so we can tailor treatment to your condition. Schedule an appointment for a dry eye exam in Beckley, WV today.