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woman holding eyeIs It Eye Allergies or Dry Eyes?

Eye Allergy and Dry Eye symptoms tend to be very similar. They both include redness, itchiness, tearing, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes.

 

Is it really an allergic reaction, or could it be Dry Eyes? Before running to the pharmacy for some antihistamines, it would be worth digging into the cause of these reactions in order to assure that you’re choosing the right treatment option.

If you’ve been using artificial tears, prescription allergy medication, or other over the counter medicine to relieve the itchy, dry feeling, but see no improvement— it may be worth visiting the Forsight Vision and speaking with Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone, who can provide a diagnosis and solution for your condition.

What’s the Difference Between Eye Allergies and Dry Eyes?

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the eyes react to elements that irritate them (allergens). One can develop eye allergies from pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or even certain foods. To fight off the allergen, the eyes produce a substance called histamine, which causes the eyelids to become red, swollen and itchy — and at times to tear and burn. Those with eye allergies tend to experience nasal allergies as well, which include an itchy, stuffy nose, along with frequent sneezing.

People with Dry Eyes suffer from eyes that feel dry, itchy, swollen, irritated, and at times very painful. Dry eye syndrome can be developed as a result of genetics, age, environment, lifestyle, medications, and the overall health of your eyes. When one has dry eyes, the eyes are either not producing enough tears to keep your eye lubricated, or the tears are not composed of the correct balance of water, lipids, and mucous to maintain proper lubrication.

How Are Eye Allergies and Dry Eyes Treated?

eye drops

Eye allergies can be treated using artificial tears, medicated eye drops, decongestants, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on your specific case, Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone may recommend a combination of treatments.

However, if it is determined that you have dry eyes, Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone may suggest artificial tears or lubricant eye drops to alleviate the discomfort, and in some cases, may even prescribe drops or steroids. For patients with more acute cases of dry eyes, the doctor might suggest alternative treatment options, such as LipiFlow, True Tear, TearCare or scleral lenses.

If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms, speak with , who will examine and thoroughly assess the source of these reactions, determine whether they are caused by allergies or Dry Eyes, and provide the right treatment.

The Forsight Vision services patients from Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and throughout Illinois.

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Call Us 847-744-8563

Gritty Eyes

You know that gritty feeling in the eye when it feels like something’s in it or it just feels rough and scratchy? It’s not just your imagination, there are some sound medical reasons behind this feeling. If you have gritty eyes, contact Forsight Vision and we’ll get you back to more comfortable vision.

What Causes Gritty Eyes?

Many with dry gritty-feeling eyesGritty eyes can result from a number of eye conditions and diseases, such as allergies, Dry Eye Syndrome, Blepharitis, and sunburned eyes.

Dry Eye

One of the most common causes of gritty eyes is a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome. As a person ages, the eye ducts which naturally produce tears, begin to slow down this natural tear production. A lack of tears causes the eyes to become dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Another symptom of dry eyes is grittiness. Many of our patients describe grittiness as a feeling that there’s a foreign substance in your eye. Others explain it as if there’s a tiny fleck of sand in the eye, resulting in a scratchy, rough sensation. Either way, it’s an uncomfortable experience. It can also cause some vision difficulties, such as blurry vision, inflammation, or frequent infections.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition caused by a skin disorder or a bacterial infection. A patient with Blepharitis typically experiences inflamed eyelids, resulting in red and itchy eyes, as well as a general irritation of the eye area. Grittiness of the eye is also a symptom of this condition.

Sunburned Eyes

Did you know that your eyes can get a sunburn? While we usually think of a sunburn as reddened skin that hurts and then starts to peel during the healing process, your eyes can also be affected by sun rays.

When you are over-exposed to UV radiation, the cornea at the front of the eye can develop a sunburn. The first sign of sunburned eyes is when the sclera, the white part of the eye, appears bloodshot. You may notice a sudden sensitivity to light and feel a gritty sensation in your eyes. Soreness and blurry vision can also occur from sunburned eyes.

Seasonal Allergies

Although not a direct cause of gritty eyes, seasonal allergies can trigger Dry Eye, a cause of grittiness. For those with sensitivities to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold, allergic reactions can cause allergic conjunctivitis. This often results in red, watery, itchy and swollen eyes, symptoms which also occur in patients with dry eyes.

How To Treat Gritty Eyes

The key to treating gritty eyes is first understanding the cause.

For dry eyes, Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone may recommend using artificial tears, which can lubricate the eyes to relieve the gritty, itchy feeling. Prescription eye drops may work for you, since they increase the eye’s natural tear production. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe steroids for more immediate short-term relief of your symptoms.

senior man thinking about eye surgery

If your gritty eye sensation is from Blepharitis, a simple way to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling is to keep your eyelids consistently clean. Use a warm compress to soften the eyelids and gently wash away any eye crust formations. The doctor often suggests using a light cleanser such as baby soap to clean the area lightly, but effectively.

In case of a bacterial infection, the eye doctor may give you a prescription for antibiotic drops or ointments, or in more severe cases, steroid drops.

For sunburned eyes, eye drops can often give you a relief by moisturizing the eye and soothing the burn with a lubricating formula. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed. The gritty feeling from the sunburn often fades on its own in a matter of a few days. If you find that the grittiness and discomfort last more than 2 days, contact Forsight Vision immediately.

If you experience gritty eyes and have difficulty alleviating the discomfort, or if you have any questions about this condition, speak to us. Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone can schedule a consultation and discuss the specifics of your case. Let us help you enjoy long-term clear and pain-free vision.

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Call Us 847-744-8563

Ask Our Long Grove Eye Doctors: Is There A Cure For Keratoconus?

Night Driving with Keratoconus

Is your vision blurry or cloudy? Is it hard to drive at night because you can’t clearly make out street lights or other cars? Do you get headaches a lot, especially when reading? Does your prescription change every time you visit your eye doctor?

If you’ve had keratoconus for a while, you know how much these things affect your life every day. Maybe you’re on your way to an important meeting and feel frustrated at the difficulty you have driving there. Perhaps reading your favorite book has become painful (or you avoid it completely). Sound familiar? We can help.

Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone and the knowledgeable, caring staff at Forsight Vision treat patients from the entire Long Grove, Illinois area. Even if you’ve tried other solutions without any improvement, talk to us.

Is There A Cure For Keratoconus?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for keratoconus. But don’t lose hope! Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone’s goal is to manage your condition by giving you the right tools for clear vision. Scleral lenses are one of the best, most effective ways to do that.

Do Scleral Lenses Cure Keratoconus?

If your case of keratoconus is at an early stage, standard eyeglasses and contact lenses may be enough. But once your condition starts to progress, you’ll find that even with basic glasses and contacts, blurry vision, headaches, and other symptoms are still there. That’s when scleral lenses can help.

Since keratoconus is caused by an irregular shaped cornea, these custom-made lenses are especially effective. Scleral lenses gently reshape your cornea into its proper round shape, letting light incorrectly, resulting in clear vision. While scleral lenses don’t cure keratoconus, they can give you better vision.

Does Corneal Crosslinking Cure Keratoconus?

Corneal Crosslinking, also called CXL, can be a great option for treating keratoconus. That’s because this procedure makes the cornea flatter and stronger, changing it to a rounder shape, which improves your vision.

However, CXL is not a cure. It is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure involving numbing eye drops and a special UV light. Corneal Crosslinking may prevent your cornea from developing into a cone shape, but it does not completely restore any previous effects of the condition. You may still need to wear glasses or contacts to see clearly even after undergoing CXL.

Do Intacs Cure Keratoconus?

Intacs® are tiny devices that are placed inside the cornea to gently flatten and reshape it. It’s a surgical procedure performed by your eye doctor. It doesn’t cure keratoconus, though. It can give you clear vision so long as the devices remain in place. If they’re removed at some point, your vision will go back to what it was before. In some cases, your eye doctor will recommend other treatments in combination with Intacs to boost the chances of success.

Why Is There No Cure For Keratoconus?

Mother and daughter hugging

Keratoconus isn’t a condition that can be permanently treated with medications or surgery. It’s a chronic eye disorder, which unfortunately means it’s for life. The most advanced medical options aren’t magic. It takes time, patience, and the determination to find the right solution for you.

The doctor’s ultimate goal is to give you the best vision possible, whether you have a mild or advanced case of keratoconus. At Forsight Vision, we see patients with keratoconus all the time, so even after treatment, you won’t be alone. We’ll continue to monitor your condition as time goes on.

When Will There Be A Cure For Keratoconus?

There’s simply no way to know. Doctors, researchers, hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies are all working together to create new technologies and advanced solutions in the hopes of finding a cure.

Can Keratoconus Go Away On Its Own?

Keratoconus does not fade on its own. The shape of your cornea can’t permanently change, even with medications, special contact lenses, or surgery. Remember, we have various options for reshaping your cornea, but keratoconus is a chronic, lifelong disorder.

So don’t wait until things get worse. Talk to us about how we can help you now. Let us give you a better vision today.

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Vision Therapy For Young Adults in Long Grove

Pretty Young Teen Girl in front of graffitiBeing a young adult is about a lot of firsts. Finishing high school, starting college, first job, first apartment, and a whole lot of new experiences are exciting. That’s why starting out on the right foot is so important. At this age, your vision is pretty stable, but over time, you may notice signs that something is off.

Maybe staying focused while studying for midterms has become difficult, maybe understanding what you’re reading isn’t as easy as it used to be. Vision therapy can help. The team at Forsight Vision provides vision therapy to young adults from all over the Long Grove area.

Vision Therapy For Teenagers

Oh, high school. The seemingly endless days, the long hallways, the cheerleaders, nerds, and football stars, parties and proms, and all the drama those 4 years brings. Life gets so busy between school, friends, and social activities, that it’s easy to push some minor concerns to the side.

Has your son mentioned getting headaches during or after reading books? Does your daughter wince or tightly close her eyes near strong lights? If your teen complains that things look blurry, don’t ignore these behaviors – they could be signs of a vision problem. In these cases, vision therapy can help.

A combination of vision exercises and special glasses or prisms can boost your teen’s visual skills and strengthen their eye muscles. Our goal is to improve their visual functions so they can excel in school and in life.

Vision Therapy For College Students

Students Outdoors, using Laptops

During your college years, your vision needs are usually different from when you were younger. Writing papers, all-night study groups, and loads of computer research all require significant visual skills. You need a lot of focus, concentration, and excellent reading comprehension throughout a university program.

So if you can’t focus while researching for an all-night term paper, or if you feel like things often seem blurry, talk to Dr. Todd Cohan. It’s far too common to blame symptoms of vision difficulties on things like stress, exhaustion, too much caffeine, not enough exercise, or poor nutrition. While these are legitimate concerns, they aren’t always the real culprit.

Vision Therapy For College Grads

Welcome to adulthood. You’re striking out on your own, maybe getting your first apartment, meeting new people, starting an internship or your first office job. These are exciting times! Your visual skills are even more important now.

Are you easily distracted? Do you find yourself getting frustrated or losing concentration a lot? Don’t be quick to assume it’s an attention problem. These kinds of behaviors can actually be related to your vision. When your eyes don’t work together properly (known as eye teaming), or they can’t focus on one image at the same time (convergence insufficiency), then it may not be a short attention span – it could be your vision.

That’s where we come in. The knowledgeable and caring staff at Forsight Vision works closely with young adults to strengthen hand-eye coordination, improve your focus, eliminate double or blurry vision, and more.

Dr. Todd Cohan will create a personalized vision therapy program with YOU in mind. The eye doctor will talk to you about what you’re struggling with and what you want to accomplish. Let us help you get there.

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Scleral Lenses Help Even Dry Eyes!

woman applying eyedroppers, close upWhen it comes to having dry eyes, you’ve probably tried everything you can think of to get some relief. From artificial tears to medicated drops, and maybe even homeopathic remedies, nothing seems to give you long-term relief.

Until now.

Scleral lenses may just be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Forsight Vision, we can help alleviate your dry eye pain with custom-made scleral lenses.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Like standard soft contact lenses, scleral lenses sit on your eyeball and correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. But that’s where the similarities end.

Scleral lenses are made with rigid materials, giving them a smooth, round shape that stays in place. They feature a large diameter, covering the entire area of the sclera (the white part of the eye), but without touching the surface of the cornea. This unique design allows for an ultra-comfortable fit.

But what really sets them apart from other contact lenses is the built-in reservoir of artificial tears, which provides a constant source of lubrication to the eyes.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes

woman wiping her eyes with a tissueDry eyes cause a number of painful symptoms. The most common signs of dry eye include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Burning sensation
  • Gritty feeling
  • Itchy eyes
  • Redness
  • Stinging
  • Soreness
  • Watery eyes

Scleral lenses are an excellent treatment option due their large shape, unique features, and customized fitting for each patient. Talk to Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone to see if scleral lenses can help with your dry eye.

Scleral Lenses Can Treat Dry Eye

A tiny pool of solution inside the scleral lens is located in the space between the back surface of the lens and the front area of the cornea. As the cornea is coated with these artificial tears, it remains moisturized for longer stretches of time than basic contact lenses. In fact, most of our patients can wear scleral lenses comfortably for up to 14 hours. This results in continuous relief for dry, irritated, and scratchy eyes.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

So how do you know if scleral lenses are the right choice? First, think about what you’ve been using until now. Maybe you apply a cool compress to ease the soreness or burning sensation. It feels better for a little while, but then the symptoms return. Maybe you keep a small bottle of artificial tears in your purse or pocket and use them whenever your eyes feel gritty or dry, but you find that happening more and more often. Have you been told that you’re a ‘hard to fit’ patient? Then perhaps it’s time for something different and tailor-made for you.

Why Are Scleral Lenses Custom-Made?

Woman Putting in ContactNo two patients are alike, and neither are their corneas. Like a fingerprint, each person’s cornea has unique curves and contours, which are even more pronounced when someone has a misshapen cornea. That’s why Dr. Todd Cohan & Dr. Jacqueline Cozzone performs a specialized, custom-fitting, to ensure you receive the best fit for optimal visual clarity. Talk about a personalized experience!

Our scleral lens patients enjoy improved visual clarity, sharper focus, and relief for burning, red, and itchy eyes. If you’ve tried standard soft contact lenses or eye drops without any easing of your Dry Eye symptoms, it’s time to try something new. Say goodbye to Dry Eye pain and hello to long-lasting relief with scleral lenses.

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Call Us 847-744-8563

 

Why Choose an Optometrist who Specializes in Contacts vs Ophthalmologists

Gril with dark-colored eyes, brown hairYou need new contact lenses or maybe you’re just trying them out for the first time. How do you know who to turn to for the best advice and the right fit?

At Forsight Vision, we specialize in contact lenses, especially for patients who may have difficulty wearing them due to eye disease, high refractive errors, misshapen corneas, and more.

Differences In Eyecare Professionals

Before knowing where to turn, it’s important to understand the difference in eye care professionals.

What Is An Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is licensed to practice medicine and perform vision-related surgical procedures. They receive years of advanced medical training to diagnose eye diseases and provide treatments, conduct scientific research on vision disorders, and prescribe medications for their patients.

Ophthalmologists could fit patients with eyeglasses and contacts, but often they refer to an optometrist on their team to correct patients’ refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia (farsightedness due to aging). Often, optometrists are the ones who screen patients for LASIK candidacy and will work alongside LASIK surgeons to coordinate the surgery.

What Is An Optometrist?

An optometrist is a healthcare professional who is licensed to provide vision care. This typically involves eye exams, vision tests, and diagnoses of eye diseases and conditions. Optometrists specialize in fitting patients with glasses or contacts for common refractive errors, while ophthalmologists focus on their areas of expertise

Why Choose An Optometrist?

Happy girl with fingers near eyesWhile an ophthalmologist is ideal for the treatment of severe eye diseases, vision disorders, and eye surgery, an optometrist is ideal for contact lenses. That’s because general vision care is the primary service that they offer their patients.

Think of your optometrist like a primary care physician for your eyes. When you need an eye checkup, if you notice your vision changing, or if your child isn’t seeing the board clearly in school, that’s when you visit the optometrist.

Getting The Right Fit

Contact lens fittings are one of the most common eye care-related services. In fact, the CDC (The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 45 million Americans wear contact lenses, which means there are a lot of people getting fitted for contacts.

Whether you’re a first-time lens wearer or you’ve recently had a prescription change, it’s essential to ensure proper fit. Improper fitted lenses are not only uncomfortable, they can lead to vision problems, infections, or scarring. That’s where we come in.

First, Drs. Todd Cohan and Jacqueline Cozzone will perform a detailed eye exam to check your level of refractive error, and if you’re an existing patient, to see if your prescription has changed. The doctor will also check for any conditions that could interfere with contact lenses. The shape of your eye and personal lifestyle are also important factors. So if you spend more time outdoors or in more active environments, that may require a different lens type. The doctor will ensure the best fit for your eye and overall visual health.

Your optometrist will teach you how to put the lenses in and take them out, how to properly clean and store them, and other general care tips. Additional follow-up may be needed as we monitor the condition of your lenses and your prescription needs.

Little girl with blue eyes

Can My Child Wear Contacts?

Children can wear contact lenses, depending on their age and level of responsibility. Contacts may be a good solution for kids with vision problems, especially among the teen and tween set who tend to be more concerned over their appearance. Contacts are generally recommended for kids between the ages of 11-14, but it’s always recommended to speak with your eye doctor for any specific questions.

Let us know how we can help with your contact lens wear. Contact Forsight Vision for a consultation today.

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Call 847-584-1776 for an appointment

Spring Dry Eyes

woman applying eyedroppers, close upSpring is a time of renewal, when the harsh winter is just a memory and the outdoors seem to beckon us to go outside. While spring may be in the air, so are allergens. Allergies during the spring season can cause dry eyes and have a particularly severe effect on people with Dry Eye Syndrome.

During the spring months, pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust can be found in the air. These airborne allergens can trigger uncomfortable reactions like itchy, red, and watery eyes, as well as sneezing and sinus congestion. At The Practice Name Dry Eye Center, we can offer you long-term relief for your seasonal dry eyes.

How Do The Seasons Affect Dry Eyes?

Although certain people with sensitivities to allergens may be more prone to allergic reactions, the seasons of the year can trigger these responses, too. In the winter, for instance, dry eyes can develop in people who live in climates with a lot of dry, cold air or strong winds. Sitting in direct aim of a heater may feel wonderful when it’s cold, but it can also dry out the eyes. In the summer when the heat is intense and people run their air conditioning systems regularly, dry eyes can develop from being in the direction of cold air.

A 5-year study found that 21% of the 3.4 million visits to an eye doctor during that time were related to dry eyes. Each year, there was a peak during April, proving that there is a likely correlation between allergens and dry eye cases.

Common Symptoms Of Seasonal Dry Eyes

The most common symptoms of dry eyes in the spring are:

  • Blurry vision
  • Burning
  • Gritty feeling
  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Stinging
  • Soreness
  • Watery eyes

It may seem odd, but watery eyes are a frequent symptom of dry eyes. It’s the body’s way of trying to self-heal the dryness by releasing excess tears, a condition called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS). This condition gives some relief, but because these tears contain an inadequate amount of water, the relief is temporary and more long-lasting options are needed.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with The Practice Name Dry Eye Center. We have the knowledge, years of experience, latest technologies, and effective solutions to give you relief for your dry eyes this spring season.

Relief For Dry Eyes In The Springtime

Close up of blue eyeDry Eye Doctor Name treats patients from all over CITY 1, State who are suffering from seasonal dry eyes. Depending on your specific case and the intensity of your symptoms, the doctor may recommend daily artificial tears or lubricant eye drops to alleviate the pain. These can stimulate your eye’s natural tear production to moisturize the eyes and provide comfort. In some cases, prescription drops or steroids can produce similar results.

For patients with severe types of dry eyes, the doctor may talk to you about punctual plugs. These are tiny devices that are inserted inside the tear duct. They block your tears from draining out, which forces them to stay in your eye, coating and moisturizing the area.

Have you heard about scleral lenses? These are contact lenses that are made from rigid materials and contain a tiny pool of water, which provides moisture to dry eyes. Scleral lenses have a large diameter that covers the entire sclera (white part of the eye) without touching the cornea, so they can fit more comfortably. Because each person’s eye is unique, scleral lenses must be custom-fitted for each patient.

When It’s More Than Allergies

If your symptoms persist long after spring is over, and especially if they worsen, this may indicate signs of a more serious eye condition.

Examples can include any of the following:

  • Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Corneal Abrasions
  • Dry Eye Disease
  • Styes (an oil gland infection that causes a bump in the eyelid

We hope you take the time to enjoy this spring season. Should you experience any visual discomfort or are naturally prone to dry eyes, contact Dry Eye Doctor Name and the caring staff at The Practice Name Dry Eye Center. We’ll examine your eyes and discuss your personal needs to create an action plan that’s right for you.


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Call Us 847-744-8563

Dry Eyes vs. Red Eyes: How To Know and What To Do About It

Woman with Hand Above Dry Red Eyes

 

Red eye and dry eye syndrome are quite easily confused. Both conditions include itchy, red and dry-feeling eyes. A person who has dry eye syndrome will often think that their red, dry, itchy eyes are nothing more than something minor, like allergies, and live a long time with the severe comfort that comes with dry eye syndrome. He/she will find that, regardless of what measures are taken, the condition does not change significantly and an eye doctor must be consulted to bring relief. Fortunately, Dr. Todd Cohan, O.D. in Long Grove, IL is very familiar with the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and how to treat it. Dr. Todd Cohan, O.D. has compiled some points of essential knowledge below, to help his patients recognize the indications of this uncomfortable and painful eye condition in a more timely fashion so that they can prevent prolonging the pain and discomfort of this extremely uncomfortable.

Dry Eye Syndrome in Long Grove

Dry eye syndrome is characterized by itchy, red, dry feeling eyes that do not get better unless professional medical help is obtained. Optometrists generally discuss two broad causes for dry eye syndrome. Either:

  • The eyes don’t make enough tears, and the eye cannot be comfortably hydrated

OR

  • The eye produces tears which are flawed. They often lack one or more essential parts normally included in tears to allow them to properly coat and hydrate the eye.

The leading defense against either of these forms of dry eye syndrome is a type of specialty eye drops called “artificial tears.” These special eye drops to combat the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome by imitating real tears as closely as possible. In order to do this in the best way possible, there are many different formulations of artificial tears. Each formulation addresses a different underlying cause of your dry eye. Some help to address the issues of dry eye syndrome in which tears are lacking in quantity and others will add one or more building blocks to your tears to help them better perform their intended function.

Red Eyes

Red eyes are generally not as worrisome as dry eye syndrome and you shouldn’t worry too much about them. In most cases, red eyes are caused by allergens or foreign substances, which can cause your eyes to become irritated. Small blood vessels throughout your eyes then become inflamed and enlarged, becoming much more visible and turning your eyes a reddish hue. This is where the term “red eyes” comes from.

Many times, red eyes will heal up and return to normal without any medical attention at all. A note of caution, however: The great number of conditions that can cause dry eyes makes it very hard to know exactly what the cause may be sometimes. If your red eyes are accompanied by a high fever, headache and/or a great deal of eye pain, go to the doctor immediately. This note aside, red eyes are almost always minor and should not cause anxiety unless accompanied by these additional symptoms.

Even with a brief but comprehensive explanation such as this, it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between these two similar-looking conditions. If you feel your red eyes maybe something more, come see Dr. Todd Cohan, today. Located in Long Grove, we provide dry eye treatment for Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich and neighboring areas.

Preventing Dry Eyes During Air Travel

woman standing old town

Dry Eye Traveling to and From Arlington Heights

It is not uncommon to experience exceedingly dry eyes after long periods of travel in the air. The temperature- and pressure-controlled cabin of an airplane creates a very dry environment that can easily take its toll on your eyes.

Fortunately, our eye doctors have outlined a number of steps that a person can take to reduce the chances of experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms that present themselves as part of what is often called “travelers’ dry eye.” Below are some tips to help you avoid dry eyes when traveling:

  • Dehydration has the potential to make dry eye symptoms much worse. Be sure to have a drink on hand at all times, making sure to drink before, during and after your flight. Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee may increase the chances of dehydration and those who enjoy these types of beverages in-flight should be sure to drink extra fluids to compensate.
  • Artificial tears are another important item of defense against dry eyes. Having a bottle of artificial tears with you at all times during your trip will allow you to apply them as needed. This can help out a great deal. Those with chronic dry eyes should speak to their doctor before their flight to discuss the possibility that they may need a more effective lubricant for the flight.
  • Sleeping in-flight can also dry out your eyes. If you take a nap while in the air, be sure to wear an eye mask. This will help minimize the dry air that reaches your eyes while you sleep, reducing the chances of dry eyes.
  • Contact lenses also tend to increase the chances of dry eyes, even under normal conditions. This is even more true in especially dry air of the airplane cabin. Those who wear contact lenses should consider switching to a pair of glasses during the flight to cut out this increased risk.
  • The air conditioning vent above your seat is also a source of dry air that is blown directly onto your eyes. Turning off this vent can do a great deal to prevent dry eyes.

For more information about how to save yourself the discomfort of dry eyes on your next plane trip, consult your Arlington Heights eye doctor today.

Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

Woman Serious Pretty Eyes 1280×480

Dry Eye Treatment in Long Grove, IL

Contact lenses are typically a very comfortable way to see with crisp vision. In fact, most people forget that they are wearing them. However, if you suffer from dry eye – contact lenses can lead to a slew of uncomfortable or painful symptoms. Approximate five million Americans suffer from dry eye, so if you have this condition, you are far from alone. Fortunately, a range of contact lenses for dry eye are now available. Our Long Grove, IL eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to assess your condition and recommend the best dry eye treatment and type of contacts to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when you do not have enough tears or your tear composition is poor. Either way, there is an inadequate amount of lubricating moisture on your eyes. This is what can make wearing contact lenses into a painful experience. Classic symptoms include a sandy or gritty sensation in your eyes, redness, stinging or burning, and itchiness.

Why does dry eye happen?

There are several causes for dry eye, ranging from normal aging to specific medical conditions to side effects from certain drugs. Contrary to popular belief, contact lenses do not usually cause dry eye – but they can certainly make it worse. Contacts coat the surface of your eye, which decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches your eye and also inhibits your eye’s ability to heal. In addition, people with dry eye already have sensitive corneas, and contacts raise the risk of corneal irritation even higher.

Our detailed eye exam will identify the cause of your dry eye in order to prescribe the most effective, personalized dry eye treatment. If you want to wear contact lenses, the results of your eye exam will also help us to figure out the best contact lenses for dry eye to recommend.

Specialized Contact Lenses for Dry Eye

Soft contacts are made from a breathable, flexible material called hydrogel, which has high oxygen permeability. They come in a few versions, such as disposable dailies, regular daily wear, and extended wear lenses. Dailies can provide a comfortable and healthy type of contact lenses for dry eye. Basically, they are discarded before any irritating protein deposits can accumulate on the lens surface. When it comes to daily, weekly, and monthly contacts, each respective type features a unique composition that promotes high moisture retention. We carry a complete inventory of premium, brand-name contacts in our Long Grove, IL, optical office, and our eye doctor will recommend the most appropriate type of contact lenses for your dry eye.

Another option is scleral lenses, which are rigid gas permeable lenses that have a different shape than standard contact lenses. They feature an extra-wide diameter, which vaults over your eye and rests on the sclera (white part of your eye). Because of the way sclerals bridge the eye’s surface, they leave a gap between the lens and your eye. This space becomes a wet reservoir for moisture, which can resolve eye irritation for people with dry eye syndrome.

Visit Your Long Grove, IL, Eye Doctor for the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eye

A diagnosis of dry eye syndrome doesn’t mean you need to give up on wearing contact lenses! There are a number of contact lens options that can give you clear and comfortable sight. If you suffer from dry eye irritation, contact us to schedule a contact lens eye exam and fitting. We will recommend dry eye treatment and discuss the various brands and types of contact lenses on the market in order to find the most helpful type.