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What is a Dry Eye?
Many times in our lifetime, we will experience a "foreign body sensation" in our eye. That usually happens if the wind blows dust, an allergen or a foreign body into our eye or under an eyelid. This should not be dismissed as just an uncomfortable feeling. It needs to be remedied. It cannot be allowed to linger or fester.

For many, the feeling of grittiness, dryness, burning or stinging or even excessive tearing cannot be relieved simply, or with over the counter methods. It may be the sign of a chronic condition known as dry eye syndrome. Yes, even tearing eyes are a sign of dry eye.



The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition. Dry eye is more common as we age. It can also be caused by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to your eyes.

If we suspect an ocular condition or disease,
we will immediately schedule or perform
diagnostic tests to determined our next steps.

If you have dry eye, your symptoms may include irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation, excessive tearing, blurred vision, or a feeling of something foreign in your eyes. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact lens wear difficult.

Any condition that reduces the production, alters the composition, or impedes the distribution of the preocular tear film (POTF) may cause a noticeable irritation to the structures of the front surface of the eye and a degradation of vision. These conditions are often related to problems with the structure or function of the eyelids, cornea, or conjunctiva. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, individuals may be limited in their ability to see clearly and comfortably and may be at increased risk of developing secondary infection or chronic inflammation that may not respond to treatment.

The two most commonly encountered ocular surface disorders are tear film disorders and blepharitis. Additional subclassifications include those dry-eye states associated with systemic connective tissue disorders, specifically Sjogren syndrome (SS). With regard to lipid deficient tear-film disorders, the involvement of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has been proposed.

We perform specific tests to assist in differentiating the various forms of tear film abnormalities and identifying potential treatment strategies. Careful clinical observation, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate intervention can eliminate or minimize the deleterious effects of ocular surface disorders on the quality of life.

An estimated one-fifth of visits to eye care practitioners are related to ocular complaints secondary to dry eye, and as many as 25 percent of American adults may be affected by dry eye or have dry eye symptoms. These statistics indicate a significant need for access to professional care.



OFFICE HOURS    
Mon
*8:15 - 5:30
Tue
*8:15 - 5:30
Wed
*8:15 - 5:30
Thu
*8:15 - 5:30
*Closed for lunch 1:00 - 1:45
Fri
Closed
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
300 Association Drive
Charleston, WV 25311
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(304) 342-5900
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Greenbrier Vision Center, Inc. 300 Association Drive Charleston, WV 25311 Phone: (304) 342-5900 Fax: (304) 342-6257

Greenbrier Vision Center proudly serves Charleston, WV and the surrounding areas of Dunbar, Sissonville, Big Chimney, Chelyan, St. Albans, Scott Depot, Kenna, Branchland and Kanawha Falls.

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. As of October 16, 2016, regulations require most optometry practices to prominently display their non-discrimination policy at their physical location, on their website homepage, and on all significant communications and publications, all of which must include taglines, in the 15 most prevalent non-English languages in the state, stating the non-discrimination policy of the practice.

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