Ever wonder what purpose your tears serve, other than to run down your face when you’re upset? Your tears actually play a vital role in your visual health, and any problems with them can cause dry eye syndrome. Read on as your trusted eye doctors from Southwest Vision Center discuss this condition and our recommended management:

Dry Eyes 101

Common Risk Factors

The warm summer weather can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, putting you at a higher risk of developing dry eyes. Older individuals, particularly postmenopausal women, undergo aging and hormonal changes that can decrease moisture in their eyes. Using blue light-emitting devices for a prolonged period may cause you to blink less as well, reducing your eyes’ lubrication. Cigarette smoking can also cause dry eyes.

Causes and Symptoms

Your expert optometrist explains that your tears are made of oil, water, and mucus. Any changes the amount or consistency of each component can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry eyes. You may also have reduced moisture in your eyes when your meibomian glands are unable to produce enough oil film. Your eyes may become red, sore, and gritty when this happens. In addition, you may experience heightened light sensitivity and reduced tolerance to visually demanding tasks.

Our Recommended Management

For mild dry eye cases, we generally advise applying warm compresses or artificial tear drops to improve your visual comfort. When it comes to managing chronic dry eye disease, we may suggest our Prokera® treatment. This involves placing an FDA-approved optical therapeutic device, which resembles contact lenses, on your eyes. It is made of placental amniotic tissue that helps reduce corneal inflammation, helping your eyes heal.

For more information about dry eyes and our treatment options, call us at (269) 241-0031 for Edwardsburg, (269) 241-0032 for Three Rivers, and (269) 241-0033 for Buchanan. We serve Granger, IN, and Three Rivers, MI.

Operating Hours

 Edwardsburg

9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm  Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Three Rivers
9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Dowagiac
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday
9:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday