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Dry Eye

Dry Eye

Dry Eye Care at Northwest Eye Surgeons

Have you been experiencing symptoms of dry eye? It can be frustrating to deal with on your own. Luckily, the dedicated team of experts at Northwest Eye Surgeons is here to help you feel comfortable again through effective treatment and valuable education.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, is a very common eye condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears you produce are low in quality. This can happen if your tears evaporate too quickly, if there is inflammation on the surface of your eyes, or if there are problems with the nerves that help your eyes stay comfortable. Healthy tears have three layers—oil, water, and mucus—and if any of these layers are missing or out of balance, your tears can’t properly coat and protect your eyes, leading to dry eye symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

While dry eye syndrome may sound self-explanatory, there are many symptoms besides having dry eyes that are important to know:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Overly watery eyes
  • Stinging, scratching, or burning sensation
  • A gritty feeling, like there is something in your eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Mucus buildup in or around the eyes
  • Pain when wearing contact lenses
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Sensitivity to wind or cigarette smoke in the eyes
  • Eye fatigue

It’s important to note that while these are all symptoms associated with dry eye, they could also be indicators of other conditions like:

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eye condition that occurs when dry or dead skin cells accumulate around your eyelashes. This can cause bacterial infections that irritate your eyes and lead to symptoms similar to dry eye.

Common treatment options for blepharitis include eyelid scrubs, antibiotics, warm compresses, and special eyelid cleansers, such as SteriLid or Ocusoft.

Meibomitis

Meibomitis is a type of meibomian gland disorder that happens when the meibomian glands within your eyelids become clogged with solidified oil. This can contribute to dry eye and cause similar symptoms.

To treat meibomitis, your eye doctor may recommend treatments like warm compresses, topical antibiotics, or topical steroids.

What Causes Dry Eye?

There are many causes of dry eye, depending on the issue that is preventing proper lubrication. Reduced tear production can be caused by:

  • Hormonal changes, such as menopause
  • The natural aging process
  • Insufficient blinking from concentrating on screens or driving
  • Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, anti-anxiety pills, beta-blockers, hormone replacement therapy, sleeping pills, heartburn medication, and diuretics
  • Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Side effects from LASIK or other eye procedures
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If your dry eye is linked to tears that evaporate too quickly, it may be caused by:

  • Blepharitis
  • Rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or dryness
  • Wearing contact lenses for a long time

If you suspect you may have dry eye syndrome, your eye doctor can perform an eye exam to properly diagnose your condition and pinpoint the cause. They can also conduct tests on the quality of your tears and your rate of tear production to help develop a treatment plan.

How Can I Treat My Dry Eyes at Home?

Although dry eye symptoms can be uncomfortable, the good news is that they can often be treated at home. Here are some common ways to soothe dry eyes at home:

Artificial tears are eye drops that act like your own tears to rehydrate your eyes and curb dry eye symptoms. They are available at most pharmacies without a prescription and come in various forms to suit your eyes best.

A warm, damp washcloth can be applied to provide moisture and heat to your eyes, which can unclog meibomian (oil) glands, increase tear production, and relieve troublesome symptoms. It is best to lay your washcloth lightly over closed eyes for about 5-10 minutes at a time to ease dry eye discomfort.

The 20-20-20 rule is a great reminder to follow if you suffer from dry eye and spend a lot of time using digital devices. It helps reduce eye strain by reminding you to look away from your screen every 20 minutes at an object around 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

While practicing the 20-20-20 rule, it’s a great opportunity to use eye drops if your eyes are irritated, which can help prevent dry eye symptoms.

As with the 20-20-20 rule, it’s important to remember that prolonged screen time can cause eye fatigue and strain, enhancing the discomfort of dry eye symptoms. Limiting screen time as a regular practice can give your eyes the break they need to recover.

If your environment is very dry, using a humidifier can increase the humidity in the air and relieve dry eye symptoms caused by environmental factors. This is especially useful in the winter when the air is often at its driest.

Using a humidifier can be particularly beneficial in areas where you spend a lot of time, such as your bedroom or workplace.

What Dry Eye Treatment Options are Available at Northwest Eye Surgeons?

If lifestyle adjustments are not enough to provide relief from dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend more advanced treatments such as:

Medicated eye drops, such as Restasis, are often prescribed to help improve the quality and quantity of tears and reduce inflammation.

LipiFlow is a form of eyelid thermal pulsation that involves using heat and pressure to release blockages in the meibomian glands. This helps your eyes get the oil they need to maintain a healthy tear film.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes precisely calibrated pulses of light to reduce inflammation in the meibomian glands and decrease bacterial growth on the eyelids.

For severe cases of dry eye, amniotic tissue can be used to help repair surface damage to your eyes, reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and prevent infection.

Are you looking for relief from dry eye symptoms? Schedule an appointment with Northwest Eye Surgeons today to find out what treatment options are available for you.

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