Don’t Let Dry Eyes Get in Your Way

Dry Eye Disease

Are your eyes constantly red and itchy? Do you feel a burning sensation or grittiness around your eyes? Do you experience tearing or watery eyes? Does your vision fluctuate? These are the symptoms of chronic dry eye

Dry Eye Disease affects 1 in 5 adults. It affects a person’s quality of life and it can happen to anyone

You Are at High Risk for Chronic Dry Eye if you…

Experience red, itchy, or irritated eyes
Use Contact Lenses
Use glaucoma drops
Have undergone eye surgery

> Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
> Feel dry, irritated, or gritty
> Watery eyes
> Redness
> Sensitivity to light
> Blurred vision
> Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Aging and Hormonal changes
We make fewer tears as we get older due to hormonal changes. This occurs in both men and women
Environmental factors
Wind, smoke, dry climate, excessive screen time
Medical conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Lupus
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Contact Lens Wear
Refractive Surgery such as LASIK
Medications
Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
Beta-blockers for heart problems or high blood pressure
Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
Sleeping pills
Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
Heartburn medicines
Problems with the eyelids or tear glands
Entropion (when eyelids turn in)
Ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
Blepharitis (when eyelids are inflamed) *most common cause
Traditional treatments include
Lifestyle and environmental changes
Over the counter artificial tears or ointments
Warm compresses
Lid Hygiene
Omega 3 supplements
Other Nutritional Changes
Prescription eye drops
Oral medication
Newer treatments include
In-office treatments such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or Microblepharoexfoliation
PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma drops
Amniotic Membrane application