Dry eye is a very common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. As optometrists at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, we frequently see patients complaining of dry, gritty, and irritated eyes. If this sounds like you, visiting an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward finding relief.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are a few key reasons you may be experiencing dry eye symptoms:
- Decreased tear production: Your tear glands may not be producing enough tears to keep your eyes adequately lubricated. This is more common as we age.
- Excessive tear evaporation: Factors like dry environments, wind, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly.
- Eyelid problems: Issues with your eyelids, such as incomplete blinking, can prevent tears from spreading evenly across your eyes.
- Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce tear production.
How an Optometrist Can Diagnose Dry Eye
During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist near you will evaluate your eyes for signs of dry eye. Tests may include:
- Tear breakup time: Measures how quickly your tears evaporate.
- Ocular surface staining: Uses eye drops to detect damaged areas on your eyes.
- Meibomian gland evaluation: Checks if your oil glands are functioning normally.
- Schirmer's test: Measures tear production.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
If dry eye is diagnosed, an eye doctor can suggest personalized treatment options like:
- Artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops provide temporary relief by lubricating your eyes.
- Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops: These reduce inflammation caused by dry eye.
- Hot compresses: Applying moist heat helps unclog oil glands.
- Omega-3 supplements: These help increase tear production.
- Prescription punctal plugs: Plugs are placed in your tear ducts to prevent tear drainage.
- Eyelid hygiene: Regularly cleansing your eyelids removes debris that can clog glands.
Regular Eye Exams Are Key
Chronic dry eye requires ongoing management. Seeing an eye doctor for regular eye exams allows for the monitoring of your condition to ensure treatments are working. Be sure to communicate all your symptoms so your optometrist can adjust therapies accordingly. With the right eye care, dry eye doesn't have to hold you back.
Get Relief from Irritated Eyes
If you're struggling with dry eye symptoms, contact our eye care office of Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. We can accurately diagnose the cause of your dryness and work with you to find effective solutions. With specialized dry eye treatments, you can finally get relief and enjoy clear, comfortable vision again. We also offer eyeglasses and contact lens exams, helping to ensure your glasses and contact lenses meet your needs. Don't suffer through dry eye—call Lock Family Eye Care today to take the first step toward feeling better.