Tears help keep your eyes moist and lubricated, maintaining your visual health and comfort. If you feel like something is stuck in your eye, or if you experience light sensitivity, blurred vision or redness, then you may have dry eyes. When these symptoms appear, it is important that you undergo an eye exam so your doctor can diagnose the condition and offer effective treatment. Read on to learn more about managing dry eyes.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can help moisten your eyes. They are often prescribed for mild cases of dry eye syndrome, which can stem from spending too much time on the computer and other activities.
While an optometrist can prescribe the recommended formulation or brand of artificial tears, many products are available over the counter. They come in a wide variety of viscosities and ingredients. Quick relief can be found in watery solutions, though these types of drops need to be applied more frequently. Eye drops with gel-like thickness provide longer-lasting lubrication but can only be administered before going to sleep.
Punctal Occlusion
This treatment option involves closing the punctum or the duct that drains tears from your eye to help tears remain on the eyes’ surface for longer. Your doctor inserts a small, sterile device on that part of your eye to relieve dry eye symptoms. It can be removed once the eye begins to “water.”
Lipiflow
This medical device applies heat and pressure to the eyes to soften hardened meibum and to express clogged meibomian glands. The mechanism will help restore the balance of oils in the tear film in an effort to correct symptoms of dry eyes. The oil component keeps your eye moist and prevents tears from evaporating.
To learn more about dry eye treatments, turn to the eye care professionals from Opti-Care. Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eyes, we may recommend several treatment options. Give us a call at (410) 600-3173 for more information. Apart from providing eye examinations, we also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. We serve residents of Maryland, including Marriottsville and Westminster.