Alleviate the Nuisance of Dry Eye

Itchy, dry eyes and a discomfort you just can’t shake? Dry eye disease may be the culprit. This disorder can be irritating, frustrating, and just plain annoying—and it’s common, affecting roughly 4.88 million Americans over 50.

Dry eyes can make it more difficult to perform some activities, like using a computer or reading for an extended period. And it can decrease your tolerance for dry environments, like an air-conditioned office or desert climate.

Once we’ve determined what you need, we can proceed with a personalized treatment plan.

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What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Aside from releasing our emotions from time to time, we need to produce tears to maintain the health of the eye’s surface for clear vision. Additionally, tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, and wash away foreign matter in the eye.

Dry eye disease occurs when tear production becomes dysfunctional from a blockage in your meibomian glands (glands on your eyelids) or other causes (see below). When there’s an imbalance in tear production and evaporation, there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes properly.

What Are the Causes & Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome can result from various factors, including:

aging
blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
environmental factors (pollution, weather)
extended computer use resulting in digital eye strain
hormonal changes
refractive surgery
excessive alcohol consumption
certain medications, including hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and birth control
certain systemic conditions or diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues

We can’t avoid the truth: struggling with dry eyes is a nuisance. The symptoms can impact your quality of life, and all you’ll want is a little relief. Dry eye symptoms may show up in the following ways:

stinging or burning sensation in the eye
sandy or gritty feeling in the eye
excessive watering following dry eye periods
stringy discharge from the eye
pain and redness in the eye
blurred vision
heavy eyelids
inability to cry when emotionally stressed
contact lenses feel uncomfortable
difficulty reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention
eye fatigue

Dry Eye Therapy at Blink

To properly evaluate your symptoms and the severity of your dry eyes, we use specialized diagnostic technology during your comprehensive eye exam. Then, once we know the severity of your condition, we can proceed with an in-office treatment, send you home with some supplements, and remind you of some tips to maintain nourished eyes.

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TearCare

At Blink Eye Care Phoenix, we are fortunate to have TearCare, a smart technology used to clean and clear our patients’ eyelids. Because clogged meibomian glands can cause dry eyes, the TearCare system effectively clears the pathways using targeted heat and restores gland function. After a TearCare treatment, you’ll be on your way back to producing tears effectively to nourish your eyes as they need.

Intense Pulsed Light Treatment (IPL)

This relatively new dry eye therapy consists of 3 to 4 sessions over 75 days. Each session lasts a few minutes, during which we will use the non-invasive IPL device to apply a series of 5 precisely calibrated light pulses around your eye This process helps to liquify and release hardened oils that could be clogging glands.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s: is there anything they can’t do? Some studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain your eye health, as well as support our bodies in myriad ways. These powerful nutrients are found in fish oil and are easily packaged as supplements. But don’t go to your local health food store—we carry high-grade omega-3 supplements for your convenience.

Tips & Tricks for Healthy Eyes

We can’t stress enough that you should incorporate these habits into your lifestyle. Doing so will help you alleviate dry eye symptoms and maintain your overall health.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dry air, sand, dust, and debris outside
Blink regularly while looking at your computer, laptop, and smartphone screens
Stay hydrated and eat a healthful diet
Avoid having a fan or air conditioner blowing directly into your eyes

Don’t Let Your Eyes Get Drier Than the Desert

At your next appointment at Blink Eye Care Phoenix, let us know if you’ve been experiencing any dry eye symptoms, and we can guide your eyes back to being sufficiently nourished and lubricated. It sounds weird, but trust us, it’s how you want your eyes to be.

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