Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common but often overlooked condition affecting millions worldwide. It can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities, making it difficult to focus on work, reading, or even driving. Whether you’re experiencing mild irritation or severe symptoms, addressing dry eyes early is essential to avoid long-term damage to the ocular surface and vision. 

What is Dry Eye? 

One of the most common conditions in our office is dry eyes and tearing. Gritty, burning, red, watery eyes, sometimes with eye pain, are some of the symptoms that our patients experience. 

These symptoms represent an imbalance in both the quantity and quality of tears. Even though many patients feel their eyes are excessively ‘watery’ or producing extra tears, this is, in fact, one of the primary indicators of dry eyes. The moisture level in our eyes and the stability of the tear film is essential for good ocular health and the quality of vision. 

What Causes Dry Eye? 

• Age: tear production decreases over time 
• Systemic conditions: autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjogren’s syndrome), diabetes, or thyroid disorders 
• Medications: antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production 
• Environmental conditions: exposure to air conditioning, smoke, or wind
• Extended computer use: staring at a screen reduces the blink rate, preventing tears from properly spreading  
• Contact lens wear: disrupts the tear film, making the eyes feel dry and irritated 
• Hormonal changes: further exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly in menopausal women. 

Why is Diagnosing Dry Eye Crucial?  

Diagnosing dry eye accurately is the first step toward effective treatment. The condition can worsen without proper diagnosis, potentially leading to damage to the corneal surface and long-term vision problems. Our team at Total Eye Care uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the severity and underlying causes of dry eye.  

A thorough eye examination allows us to evaluate the quantity and quality of tears, the condition of the tear film, and any underlying inflammation or infection that may be contributing to the problem. Once properly diagnosed, our doctors can institute a plan to treat the infection, increase tear drainage, and unblock any obstructions with simple messages or a gentle probing technique that may be performed if necessary. 

Solutions for Dry Eye 

The treatments for dry eye include replacing and replenishing the tear film, decreasing the drainage of the tears so that they can bathe the eye longer, and decreasing any causes of inflammation that can aggravate the condition. 

Our doctors may suggest artificial tear replacement, small plugs that can be placed (without any pain) in the drainage channels to keep tears around longer, and Restasis and other newer medications to treat the underlying inflammation and create more tears. 

OptiLight – a Bright Solution for Dry Eyes   

OptiLight is a cutting-edge, light-based therapy specifically designed to address dry eye. Each OptiLight session takes about 15 minutes and helps to: 

1. Reduce Inflammatory Mediators 

2. Improve Tear Breakup Time 

3. Alleviate Abnormal Blood Vessels 

4. Restore Meibomian Glands 

5. Decrease Demodex 

Schedule an Appointment 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t wait for them to worsen. Contact Total Eye Care today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. Whether you need artificial tears, medication, or advanced treatments like OptiLight, we’re here to help you achieve healthier eyes and clearer vision. 

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