When to See a Doctor: Understanding the Severity of Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome can range from a minor inconvenience to a significant health issue impacting your quality of life. While occasional dryness may be manageable with over-the-counter remedies, persistent symptoms could indicate an underlying condition requiring professional care. Understanding when to see a doctor and the treatment options available at Lakhani Vision Care can help you protect your eye health and regain comfort.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Common symptoms include:
 

• Persistent dryness or grittiness
   

• Burning or stinging sensation
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Excessive tearing
   

• Eye redness or inflammation
   

Untreated dry eye can lead to several complications, including chronic inflammation, damage to the corneal surface, and an increased risk of eye infections.
 

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild dry eye symptoms can often be managed at home, certain signs indicate a need for medical evaluation. Seek professional care if you experience:
 

• Persistent discomfort despite using over-the-counter lubricants
   

• Vision changes or blurriness that affects your daily activities
   

• Increased sensitivity to light or a feeling of something in your eye
   

• Symptoms that interfere with wearing contact lenses
   

These symptoms could signify more severe conditions, such as meibomian gland dysfunction or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which require advanced treatments.
 

Advanced Treatment Options for Dry Eye

At Lakhani Vision Care, we offer cutting-edge treatments to manage dry eye symptoms and address their root causes. For more severe cases of dry eye, prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and improve tear production. These medications target the underlying inflammation that often exacerbates dry eye symptoms, providing long-term relief.
 

Warm compress masks are a soothing and effective way to alleviate dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. These masks gently warm the eyelids, helping to unclog the glands and improve the quality of your tear film.
 

Additionally, amniotic membrane therapy is an innovative treatment for severe cases of dry eye. These membranes, placed over the eye, promote healing and reduce inflammation. They are especially effective for patients with corneal damage or chronic irritation that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
 

Finding Dry Eye Relief at Lakhani Vision Care

Dry eye syndrome can significantly impact your daily life, but you don’t have to live with discomfort. At Lakhani Vision Care, we understand that every patient’s experience with dry eye is unique. During your consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity and underlying cause of your symptoms. Based on our findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
 

If your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, schedule a consultation with Lakhani Vision Care and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes. Visit our office in Marietta, Georgia, or call (770) 509-9932 to book an appointment today.