Dry eye is a common chronic disease that results from an unhealthy tear film. The tear film covers the surface of your eye called the cornea to keep it protected, lubricated, and smooth. In some cases, the tear film can become inadequate by simply not producing enough tears which leaves the cornea exposed to the environment. In other cases, enough tears are produced but fails to remain on the surface of eye which affects the overall tear quality.
"After six years of eye issues and being legally blind, I can finally see. It feels like heaven."
When your tear film inadequately covers the cornea, it results in several symptoms. Some common complaints include a gritty, sandy sensation, feelings of something being in your eye, blurred vision that comes and goes with blinking, watery eyes, and difficulty wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time.
Watch our videos to see how dry eye treatment works and hear from real patients who found relief. Our team explains what causes dry eye and walks you through the options available at Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas.
A comprehensive eye exam with the addition of newer technology allows our eye doctors to accurately diagnose and treat dry eye disease. Your doctor can work with you to maintain a good quality of life by managing your comfort and preventing visual problems. Schedule your evaluation with our team today.
When Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is used, it works to close up abnormal blood vessels that would cause inflammation, allowing the glands on the eyelids to function properly. In addition, the heat provided by the light melts the oils in clogged glands allowing for easy release.
Scleral contact lenses sit on the white of the eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea. This allows space between the contact lens and the surface of the cornea where a saline solution can rest. This solution acts as a constant source of hydration and thereby provides great symptom relief for dry eye patients.
Without proper treatment and attention, dry eye symptoms may worsen over time. Due to the protective nature of the tear film, dry eye may result in eye infections, damage to the cornea, and decreased quality of life. With the presence of severe dry eyes, corneal ulcers or vision loss may occur.
Causes include normal aging, systemic autoimmune disease, medication use, allergies, contact lens use, and previous eye surgery. These can result in either a decrease in production of tears or an increase in tear evaporation. Read our complete guide to dry eye.
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition; however, your doctor can work with you to maintain a good quality of life by managing your comfort and preventing visual problems. Compare dry eye treatment options.
These tears are referred to as reflex tears. This means that the irritation from dry eyes causes extra tears to release. However, these new tears are made primarily of water, so they don’t include all the things normally found in the tear film. Learn how meibomian glands protect your tear film.
Dry eye can be diagnosed in a comprehensive eye examination. Your eye doctor can perform a series of tests to determine if you have dry eye disease and even figure out what type of dry eye you have: decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. Learn what to expect from a dry eye evaluation.
Take breaks during long tasks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 feet away. Improve overall eyelid hygiene including regular washes with a clean washcloth as well as warm compresses to help release oil from your eyelids’ glands. Avoid dehydration by consuming 8-10 glasses of water each day.
