Dry Eye Treatment in Chicago

Dry eye is a condition signified by a person's inability to produce enough quality tears to properly lubricate and nourish their eyes. With good tears, the front surface of the eye stays healthy, and there is a better chance of the person having a clear vision. With a normal amount of lubrication, the act of blinking sends good tears across the surface of the eye, aka, the cornea. But many people, especially older adults, experience dry eye frequently, to the point of it becoming a chronic problem. 

At The Eye Society, at both our Streeterville and Loop locations, we see several people who have dry eyes and who are looking for dry eye treatment in Chicago.

The Problem with Tears

Those who suffer from chronic dry eye have one or both of the following problems with their tears

The eyes don't produce enough tears. 

There are several reasons why tears may be lacking, resulting in dry eyes. Production slows down as part of the natural aging process, as a side effect of various medical conditions or medications, excessive wind or dryness in the air.

The tears produced are not "good quality"

Poor quality tears happen when the balance of the three components of tears; oil, water, and mucus is disturbed. The oily layer typically helps prevent tears from evaporating, and the mucus layer keeps that watery level evenly distributed across the eye to provide adequate moisture.

An inadequate watery layer is the most common reason why people seek out dry eye treatment in Chicago, and it may also be referred to as KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Dry Eye Treatment with Our Optometrist

If you have been having trouble with your eyes itching, feeling scratchy or irritating, or if it frequently feels as if there is something in your eye, even when there is not, you may be suffering from dry eye. In some cases, dry eyes may even lead to excess tearing and may affect vision. While some cases of dry eye are mind enough, and infrequent enough to be treated with artificial tears from the drug store, if you are experiencing chronic dry eye, we encourage you to come and see one of our optometrists at the Eye Society. 

When you come in, we will examine your eyes to determine why you are experiencing dry eye symptoms and work with you to come up with the best possible strategy to manage your symptoms. Possible treatments include

• Using artificial tears 
• Finding ways to conserve existing tears so that they are used more efficiently. This is often achieved by using prescribed eye drops and/or taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement
• Looking for and treating other underlying causes, such as inflammation of the eyelid with eye drops or ointments.
• Working with patients to increase tear production

Contact Our Chicago Optometrist for Dry Eye Treatment

No matter why you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, it is best to have eye care professionals on your side that can help you manage your symptoms. With two locations in the Chicago area, the Eye Society is positioned to provide you with the eye care you need at either of our locations. 

Call our Streeterville location at 312-640-2405, or our Loop location at 312-631-3247 to schedule an appointment.