When to See an Optometrist for Dry Eye

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for you to get your work done. The condition can also arise from a variety of causes, including environmental concerns, underlying health problems, or as a side effect of medication.

Regardless of the cause, dry eye typically presents several symptoms to alert you to its presence. You do not always need to see an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, but it is important to know when you should.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

The following are the most typical symptoms that patients with dry eye report to us at Lappen Eye Care:

• Blurry vision
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty producing tears
• Difficulty wearing contacts
• Discomfort after looking at a phone or computer screen for a short time
• Eye redness
• Heavy eyelids
• Itchy eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes

Some people can manage these symptoms on their own with simple solutions, such as using artificial tears a few times a day and reducing screen time. Others continue to struggle even after implementing several home remedies. In that situation, patients may need more intensive medical eye care in Pittsburgh, PA.

When Should You Schedule an Optometry Appointment?

Be sure to schedule an appointment with Lappen Eye Care if your dry eye symptoms are not going away after more than a week of using artificial tears or other interventions. We should also see you if you cannot figure out what is causing your eye dryness. Leaving the problem untreated could lead to problems such as prolonged eye pain, eye ulcers, or scars on the surface of your eyes.

Our optometrists always attempt the least invasive treatment method first. One example is using prescription eye drops instead of eye drops you buy at the store. We will explain all available treatment options after diagnosing your dry eye condition.