Dry Eye Treatment | Optic Gallery Pahrump

Understanding Dry Eye at Optic Gallery Pahrump

Dry eye is a common and often chronic issue, particularly affecting older adults. Each time we blink, tears spread across the surface of the eye, or cornea, providing essential lubrication, reducing the risk of infections, clearing away debris, and keeping the eyes smooth and clear. When the balance of tear production and drainage is disrupted, dry eyes can occur.

Causes & Risk Factors

Dry eyes arise when there is an imbalance in tear production and drainage. This can happen for several reasons:

Inadequate Tear Production: Tear production typically decreases with age and can be influenced by certain medical conditions or medications. Environmental factors like wind and dry climates can also lead to increased tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms.
Poor Quality of Tears: Tears consist of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. Each component is vital for maintaining eye health. If any layer is deficient, tears may evaporate too quickly or fail to cover the cornea evenly, leading to dry eye symptoms.

Common Causes:

Age: Most individuals over 65 experience some dry eye symptoms.
Gender: Women are more susceptible due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, contraceptives, and menopause.
Medications: Some medications, like antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues can increase dry eye risk.
Environmental Factors: Smoke, wind, and dry climates can exacerbate symptoms. Staring at screens for prolonged periods without blinking can also contribute.
Other Factors: Long-term contact lens use and certain eye surgeries, like LASIK, can decrease tear production

Advanced dry eye can damage the eye's surface and impair vision.

Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms may include:

Redness
Stinging, scratching, or burning sensations
Light sensitivity
Watery eyes
Stringy mucus near the eye
Blurry vision

Diagnosis

A comprehensive eye examination is essential for diagnosing dry eyes. Your optometrist will evaluate the quantity and quality of tears through:

A detailed patient history to identify symptoms and contributing factors.
An external examination of the eye, including eyelid structure and blinking patterns.
Evaluation of the eyelids and cornea using bright light and magnification.
Tests to measure tear quantity and quality, possibly using special dyes to assess tear flow and eye surface conditions.

Treatment

Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore the normal tear balance to alleviate dryness and maintain eye health. While dry eye can be chronic, an optometrist can provide strategies for comfort and prevention of vision impairment. Key treatments include:

Adding Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can help mild cases. Preservative-free options are preferred to avoid irritation.
Conserving Tears: Techniques such as blocking tear ducts with small plugs can help keep tears in the eyes longer.
Increasing Tear Production: Prescription eye drops can stimulate tear production, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial.
Treating Inflammation: Prescription treatments, warm compresses, and eyelid care can reduce inflammation contributing to dry eyes.

Prevention

To reduce dry eye symptoms, consider the following:

Blink regularly when using screens.
Increase indoor humidity.
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sun.
Consult your doctor about nutritional supplements that may help.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid direct airflow in your eyes, such as from car heaters.
Minimize exposure to excessively dry environments.

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, the team at Optic Gallery Pahrump is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.