Personalized Dry Eye Treatments for Long-Lasting Comfort
At Shirley Eye Care, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable living with dry eyes can be. Chronic dryness is primarily caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears to properly lubricate and nourish the eyes, leading to irritation, redness, and even vision problems. From mild discomfort or chronic symptoms, we offer a wide range of personalized treatment options to provide you with lasting relief.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye disease can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, especially after the age of 50.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking certain contraceptives can lead to dry eyes.
- Environmental Factors: Windy, smokey and dry environments can trigger or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged Screen Time: Prolonged screen time reduces blink frequency, which can lead to dry eyes.
- Contact Lenses: Extended wear of contact lenses can reduce the natural moisture on the eye’s surface.
- Medications: Certain medications can reduce tear production, leading to dryness.
- Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes can affect tear production.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: When the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked, it disrupts the tear film, causing dry eyes.
Dry Eye Treatment Options at Shirley Eye Care
We offer a variety of effective solutions, tailored to the severity and underlying cause of your dry eye condition. Treatment options include:
- Artificial Tears or Lubricant Eye Drops: Our eye doctors can provide eye drops that add moisture to your eyes for temporary relief.
- Prescription Eye Drops: For more severe cases, prescription drops can help increase tear production or reduce inflammation, offering long-term relief.
- Vitamins: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, vitamins and supplements may be effective at relieving your symptoms and reducing inflammation.
- Eye Hydrating Compresses: A compress can be used to provide quick relief for your dry eye pain. Ask our staff about which kind would be most effective for you.
- Punctal Plugs: Are often used to help keep the surface of your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Scleral Lenses: Under the right circumstances, scleral lenses can be used to improve your Dry Eye symptoms.
- Amniotic Membranes: These membranes promote healing on the surface of the eye for more severe cases of dry eye, especially for patients with corneal damage.
- LipiFlow: A cutting-edge treatment that uses thermal pulsation to unblock the meibomian glands, which produce the oils essential for maintaining a healthy tear film.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Dry Eyes
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, certain lifestyle changes can help manage dry eye symptoms and prevent flare-ups:
- Humidifier: Keeping the air in your home or office humid can prevent your eyes from drying out, especially during the winter months or in air-conditioned spaces.
- Blink Purposefully: If you spend long hours in front of a screen or reading, consciously blink regularly.
- Take Breaks: Regularly rest your eyes, especially when working at a computer.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your eyes stay hydrated.
At Shirley Eye Care, our comprehensive approach to treating dry eye disease ensures that we address both the symptoms and underlying causes to help you achieve long-lasting relief. Schedule your consultation today to explore your personalized dry eye treatment options in Indiana, PA.