Dry Eyes Specialist

Wolchok Eye Associates, PA

Ophthalmologists located in Jacksonville, FL

Dry eyes are extremely common today, prompting around one-third of contact lens wearers to switch to glasses. For many, dry eyes are a constant irritation and inconvenience. If you regularly have dry, hot, scratchy, or sore eyes, empathetic ophthalmologist Stephen Wolchok, MD, offers the latest treatments at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, to end your symptoms. Book your appointment at the conveniently located Jacksonville, Florida, office by phone, or through online scheduling now.

904-739-0606

Dry Eyes Q & A

What is dry eyes?

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy eye moisture to keep your eyes comfortably lubricated. Usually, it means that you don't make enough tears. Dry eye can also happen when you have a tear imbalance, for example, if your tears have too much water and not enough oil and mucus.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye complaints, with at least 16 million Americans dealing with symptoms today.

What are the signs of dry eyes?

Dry eyes can involve many symptoms, including:

Grainy, sandy-feeling eyes
Eye stinging
Eye burning
Eye watering
Hot eyes
Red eyes
Light sensitivity
Blurry vision

If you wear contact lenses, you may find them very uncomfortable with dry eyes. Certain activities, like extended computer or phone time and being outdoors in a windy or dry area, can exacerbate the dry eye symptoms.

Untreated dry eyes could lead to severe damage like corneal abrasions or even ulcers, so don’t wait to get symptom relief at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, and regain your eye health.

What causes dry eyes?

Many adults get dry eyes as they age, which is normal. In particular, women are vulnerable to dry eyes because of hormone loss during menopause. Some other causes can include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Thyroid disease
Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
Eyelid disorders like entropion and ectropion
Wearing contact lenses for too long
Medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, and heartburn drugs

Laser eye surgery like LASIK or PRK could potentially cause a temporary bout of dry eyes because they can lead to decreased tear production.

What is the cure for dry eyes?

The team performs a full eye exam, including a careful check of your eyelids, corneas, and other affected areas. They ask you to blink, and may do a tear quality, thickness, or production rate test as well. Once your provider knows the reason for your dry eyes, they formulate an individualized solution for you.

Dry eyes treatment may include options such as:

Artificial tear solutions
Prescription eye drops to stimulate more natural tears
Punctal plugs to conserve tears
Gentle eyelid massage

Blue-light blocking glasses may also help if your dry eyes relate to computer strain. Dr. Wolchok can also offer tips to help you prevent dry eye symptoms in the future.

For the best dry eye treatment in Jacksonville, call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or book your appointment online anytime.

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