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Dry Eye Disease Treatment

You don’t have to live with burning, stinging, red, runny eyes. The experienced eye doctors at Precision Vision specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome.

If left untreated, severe cases of dry eye can cause long-term eye problems, such as corneal damage. Professional treatment of dry eye syndrome is important to rule out more serious eye conditions that may mimic dry eye symptoms.

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Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common eye condition characterized by a lack of sufficient moisture on the eye’s surface. Your body’s tears play a vital role in maintaining the health and comfort of your eyes by lubricating them and washing away foreign particles. When the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, it can lead to dry, irritated, and uncomfortable eyes.

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Dry eye syndrome can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Common symptoms include:

  • Watery eyes (as the eyes overcompensate for dryness) 
  • Redness 
  • Burning 
  • Stinging 
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Blurred vision
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Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors including:

  • Aging: Dry eye syndrome is more common after the age of 50.
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuating hormone levels during menopause can increase dry eye symptoms.
  • Certain medications: Antihistamines, beta blockers, birth control pills, corticosteroids, and other medicines can cause dry eye.  
  • Medical conditions: Environmental allergies or autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eye syndrome.
  • Environmental factors: A low-humidity or windy climate, or frequent smoke exposure, can cause dry eye.
  • Lifestyle choices: Frequent screen time, as well as smoking, can contribute to dry eye. 

Understanding what is causing your dry eyes is crucial for effective treatment and management. If you believe you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, schedule an appointment with one of Precision Vision’s dry eye specialists in Oklahoma City.

In addition to the factors listed above, one of the most common underlying causes of dry eye syndrome is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

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Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a condition that leads to a decreased quantity and quality of the oil layer in the tear film. Meibomian glands are tiny glands in the eyelids that are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears that helps prevent rapid tear evaporation. When the meibomian glands become blocked or their oil production is compromised, it can lead to an unstable tear film and dry eye symptoms. MGD can result from factors like inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, or simply aging. Addressing MGD is often a key component of managing dry eye effectively.

At-Home Dry Eye Care

Things that you can do to manage dry eye symptoms at home include:

  • Limit screen time and take frequent short breaks when working on the computer
  • Use a humidifier 
  • Use over-the-counter artificial tears (we recommend Oasis Tears)
  • Use a moist heat eye compress

In-Office Dry Eye Treatments

For severe or chronic dry eyes, there are several in-office treatments that can be performed at one of our offices in Oklahoma City. These treatments are designed to treat the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome for long-lasting relief.

  • Prescription Eye Drops: Our doctors can prescribe specialized eye drops to help decrease inflammation, lubricate the surface of the eye, and minimize irritation. These drops can help your body produce more tears naturally.
  • Punctal Plugs: Also known as lacrimal plugs or occlusion plugs, punctal plugs are small medical devices inserted into the tear ducts (puncta) of the eyes to help retain moisture on the eye’s surface.
  • Prokera® Amniotic Membrane: Damage caused by dry eye can be treated with this biological corneal bandage.

Dry eye syndrome cannot always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to protect your eye health:

  • Eat a diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Do not smoke
  • If you wear contact lenses, use good hygiene and follow your eye doctor’s instructions.
  • Use the 20/20/20 rule: When looking at a screen, every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

It is best to check with your eye doctor to determine which drops are right for you. In general, patients with dry eye should look for artificial tears or lubricating drops and avoid eye drops that are intended to reduce redness. If you use eye drops frequently, you may want to choose a type that is free from preservatives. 

More than 16 million Americans suffer from dry eye disease. 

One of our eye doctors can examine your eyes and discuss your symptoms in order to determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms. A diagnosis of dry eye syndrome depends on the cause of your dry eyes as well as the frequency of your symptoms. 

Dry eye syndrome is generally not a direct cause of blindness. If left untreated, patients with dry eye may develop complications such as eye infections, corneal ulcers, and a reduced quality of life. While you are unlikely to lose your vision due to dry eye, it is important to see your eye doctor to maintain your eye health and get relief from dry eye symptoms.

Schedule a Dry Eye Examination Today

We believe you deserve the best vision care possible. We are here to answer any questions and help you achieve better vision. Call us at (405) 733-4545 or book an appointment online.

References

  • de Paiva CS. Effects of Aging in Dry Eye. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2017 Spring;57(2):47-64. doi: 10.1097/IIO.0000000000000170. PMID: 28282314; PMCID: PMC5347479.
  • Farrand KF, Fridman M, Stillman IO, Schaumberg DA. Prevalence of Diagnosed Dry Eye Disease in the United States Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Older. Am J Ophthalmol 2017;182:90-8
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Dry Eye? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye Accessed September 5, 2023.