Dry Eye Syndrome and Treatments at Valley Eye Associates
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition that develops when your eyes do not produce or maintain enough tears to lubricate the eye's surface, leading to various symptoms that differ from person to person. This issue can be due to reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation caused by a lack of lipids produced by oil glands in the eyelids. The effects can range from minor dryness and discomfort to pain, blurred vision, and frequent infections.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition but often include:
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Irritated or watery eyes
- Blurred vision or eye pain
- The sensation of a foreign body in the eye
Tears play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your cornea by washing away foreign matter and ensuring that the eye's surface remains moist, smooth, and clear. They also rinse away dust particles and contain enzymes that protect your eyes from bacteria that can cause infections.
Dry eye occurs when the amount of tears produced is insufficient to maintain moisture balance, resulting in scratchy eyes, stinging, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Ironically, dry eyes can sometimes cause excessive tearing as a reflex response.
Primary Causes of Dry Eye
- Aging and Hormonal Changes: Dry eyes can naturally develop because of aging or hormonal changes, especially in women taking oral contraceptives, pregnant, or experiencing menopause.
- Medications: Certain medications that reduce tear production, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can lead to dry eye syndrome.
- Environmental Factors: Dry, dusty, and windy climates, along with home air conditioners or heating systems, can contribute to dry eyes.
- Digital Screens: Excessive screen time can lead to dry eyes due to reduced blinking while focusing on screens.
- Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, blepharitis, lupus, arthritis, and thyroid problems are more susceptible to developing DES.
- Eye Surgery: Certain eye surgeries, including LASIK, can cause dry eyes, as can conditions where the eyelids do not close properly.
- Extended Contact Lens Use: Prolonged use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options at Valley Eye Associates
Diagnosing dry eye disease usually involves a thorough eye examination and a discussion of your symptoms. One common test is the Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) test, where your doctor observes the time it takes for tears to break up after blinking.
A low TBUT indicates a lipid deficiency in the tears. The Schirmer test is another way to measure tear production, involving the doctor placing a strip of filter paper under the eyelid.
OptiLIGHT: A Technological Approach to Dry Eye Treatment
Lumenis, the inventor of IPL, presents OptiLIGHT, the first and only IPL FDA-approved for managing dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction. OptiLIGHT enhances dry eye management with Lumenis’ patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT) and user-centered design, providing a safe, precise, and effective therapy for managing dry eye disease.
OptiLIGHT offers a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye disease by targeting multiple factors:
- Reduces pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibiting inflammation.
- Enhances tear breakup time and reduces osmolarity.
- Addresses abnormal blood vessels contributing to inflammation.
- Restores the health and functionality of meibomian glands.
- Decreases the population of Demodex mites, reducing bacterial load on eyelids.
Dry Eye Relief in Westwood
While dry eye disease does not permanently damage your vision, suffering from dry, itchy, and uncomfortable eyes is unnecessary.
Effectively managing this chronic condition involves regular treatment. At Valley Eye Associates, we can work with you to develop a long-term plan to ensure optimal eye comfort for the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards relieving your dry eye symptoms.
