Dry Eye Treatments
Routine Eye Exams for Your Eye Health
At Partin Eye Care, we understand how uncomfortable dry eye can be, whether it’s mild irritation or chronic pain. Our tailored treatments focus on restoring your tear production and locking in moisture, providing you with lasting relief. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to clearer, more comfortable vision!
Causes of Dry Eye
- Insufficient Tear Production: The lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated.
- Excessive Tear Evaporation: Tear film instability, often caused by an incomplete blink, meibomian gland dysfunction, or environmental factors like wind or dry air.
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, especially after menopause for women.
- Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and some antidepressants can reduce tear production.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, or thyroid problems can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy environments, prolonged screen time, and air conditioning can exacerbate dry eye.
Treating Dry Eye - A Personalized Approach
Every person’s experience with dry eye is different, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The cause of dry eye may vary from person to person, and even multiple causes can be at play at once, requiring a tailored treatment approach.
Treatment Options:
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or gels can help provide temporary relief by supplementing the tears.
- Prescription Medications: If inflammation is a primary issue, anti-inflammatory medications that are non-steroidal may be prescribed.
- Punctal Plugs: Small plugs inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture on the eye’s surface.
- Lipid-Enhancing Drops: If meibomian gland dysfunction is present, specialized drops designed to address oil production may help reduce tear evaporation.
- Lifestyle Modifications: In some cases, modifying environmental factors, such as using a humidifier or wearing protective eyewear, can help alleviate symptoms.
Managing Dry Eye - Simple Steps You Can Start Today
- Hydration: One of the easiest and most important steps to start managing dry eye is ensuring you are properly hydrated. Drinking enough water helps maintain a healthy tear production and supports overall eye health.
- Tip: Aim for 8-10 glasses of water a day, or more if you are physically active or in a dry environment.
- Taking Breaks from Screens: Prolonged screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and blink more often, which helps keep your eyes moist.
- Use Humidifiers: If you live in a dry climate or use air conditioning or heat frequently, using a humidifier in your home can help keep the air from drying out your eyes.
- Eyelid Hygiene: Cleaning your eyelids regularly helps remove debris and excess oil, which can block the meibomian glands and contribute to dry eye. Use a gentle eyelid scrub or a warm compress to help clear blockages.
- Protect Your Eyes: When outside in windy or dry conditions, wearing wraparound sunglasses or protective goggles can shield your eyes from environmental irritants that cause dryness.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation
Don't let eye irritation hold you back. Schedule your dry eye evaluation with our friendly team today to explore personalized treatment options that can bring you relief. Your eyes deserve the care they need!
