Navigating Dry Eye Syndrome With Expert Care
Are you experiencing discomfort in your eyes but can’t pinpoint the cause? It could be dry eye syndrome, a common yet often overlooked condition. At Shore Family Eyecare, we are skilled in identifying and treating this ailment, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
Dry Eye Syndrome Explained
Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or tears of inadequate quality, leading to insufficient eye lubrication. This tear production and drainage imbalance can cause discomfort and affect your vision quality.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
The causes of DES are varied and can include a range of factors:
- Age (more common in older adults)
- Environmental conditions
- Prolonged screen use
- Certain diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- Medications (antihistamines, decongestants, some blood pressure medications)
- Issues with eyelid function
- Hormonal changes (menopause or pregnancy)
Common Signs and Symptoms
Individuals with DES can experience the following symptoms:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Increased eye irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of having something in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome
Shore Family Eyecare’s comprehensive approach to diagnosing DES involves thoroughly examining your eyes. Our optometrists use specific tests to evaluate tear production, evaporation rate, and eye surface health. This thorough evaluation helps us tailor a treatment plan that addresses your eyes’ specific needs.
Tailored Treatments for Dry Eyes in Manasquan
Each patient’s experience with dry eye syndrome is unique. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan, ensuring your eyes receive the care they need to stay healthy and comfortable.
Our approach involves a combination of treatments, including:
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Artificial tears are the first line of treatment. They supplement natural tear production, providing temporary relief from dryness and discomfort.
- Prescription Eye Drops: For more severe cases, prescription eye drops can help. Some types reduce inflammation on the eye’s surface, while others help stimulate the production of natural tears.
- Warm Compresses: Regularly applying warm compresses to the eyes can help unblock meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of tear film. This oil prevents the evaporation of tears.
- Punctal Occlusion: This therapeutic approach involves the insertion of tiny plugs, called punctal plugs, into the tear ducts to block the drainage of tears from the eye’s surface. The plugs can be temporary or permanent offering a targeted and long-lasting solution to dry eye discomfort.
- Advanced Treatments: Options like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Radiofrequency (RF) therapy with Lumecca are available for chronic or severe cases. These treatments target the underlying causes of dry eyes, such as inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction, offering more long-term relief.
Don’t let discomfort hold you back any longer. Book a consultation with our team at Shore Family Eyecare, and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
