Dry Eye Treatment
Nourishing Care for Dry Eye Syndrome
At Chesapeake Eye Center, we understand the importance of addressing and managing dry eye. This common condition can significantly affect the quality of vision and overall eye health of 1 in 5 Americans.
Our dedicated team on Delmarva offers personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and provide relief from dry eye symptoms. Not only are we committed to providing exceptional care, but we also serve as your trusted resource for dry eye education. We believe that the more you know about your condition and how to manage it, the better equipped you are to enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is an ocular condition in which tears do not sufficiently lubricate and nourish the surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the cornea. Any dysfunction of the tear film can result in irritating symptoms and a decreased quality of vision.
Causes of Dry Eye
Understanding these common causes of dry eye is essential for proper diagnosis and management. By identifying and addressing the underlying factors of this condition, individuals can receive targeted treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve their eye health and comfort.
Dry eye syndrome can have multiple causes, and oftentimes, more than one factor contributes to the development of symptoms. Some of the risk factors of this condition include:
Age
Dry eye is frequently associated with the natural aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce fewer tears. That’s why the majority of people over the age of 65 experience some dry eye symptoms.
Gender
Women are more susceptible to hormonal changes that can lead to dry eyes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.
Medications
Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can affect the tear surface and contribute to dry eye.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and hormonal changes can impact tear production and quality, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Ocular Conditions
Eyelid diseases like blepharitis or meibomitis, corneal surface disease, or poor eyelid position can also be associated with dry eye.
Environmental Conditions
Exposure to smoke, wind, dry climates, and prolonged screen time can aggravate dry eye symptoms.
Digital Device Use
Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital screens can reduce the blink rate, leading to dry eye symptoms.
Poor Contact Lens Hygiene
Improper contact lens hygiene, extended wear time, or wearing lenses that don’t fit correctly can cause dry eye symptoms by affecting oxygen flow to the cornea.
Refractive Surgeries
During LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created on the cornea, which can disrupt normal tear film dynamics and corneal nerves, leading to dry eye symptoms post-surgery.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Common symptoms of dry eye include itching, burning, tearing, a gritty feeling in the eyes, redness, or vision that fluctuates, especially with blinking. These symptoms can often be mistaken for allergies or infections, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Accurate diagnosis of dry eye relies on a detailed review of a patient’s health history, a thorough slit lamp examination, and specific testing. Our experienced team at Chesapeake Eye Center follows established guidelines to assess the severity of the disease and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment for dry eye varies based on the stage and severity of the condition. Our comprehensive approach may include a prescription of tear supplements and medications, procedures, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of these options. We tailor the treatment plan to the individual needs of each patient, ensuring personalized care and optimal results.
Chesapeake Eye Center: Leading Practice in Dry Eye Management
The Chesapeake Eye Center takes pride in being the first clinic on the shore dedicated to the early detection and accurate treatment of dry eye. Our top priority is to provide hope for improvement or relief of dry eye symptoms for every patient on Delmarva.
Our esteemed team is committed to staying at the forefront of dry eye management and offering the most advanced treatment options available. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms or have further questions about the different treatment options, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced and knowledgeable staff at Chesapeake Eye Center.
Take the first step toward having a clear vision and healthy eyes. Contact us to schedule your dry eye evaluation today.