Dry Eye
Dry Eye Is a Common Condition That Can Cause Discomfort, Sensitivity, and Vision Changes.
If your tears do not provide adequate moisture, you may develop dry eye disease. This condition makes the eyes dry, red, and inflamed. You may feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, experience discomfort when blinking, and have extra sensitivity to light. It may also cause changes in your quality of vision.
At Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, we are prepared to help you find your ideal treatment for your dry eyes, so you can move forward with comfort and clarity.
Is It Time for Dry Eye Treatment?
Dry eye problems are fairly common, with the risk of acquiring the condition increasing with age. It is also seen more commonly in postmenopausal women. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or difficulty with everyday tasks due to this disease, it is best to seek treatment.
There are many methods of relieving dry eyes, from eye drops to surgical procedures, that can ease discomfort by improving moisture in your eyes.
What to Know About Dry Eye Disease
What is the tear film?
The tear film in your eye is made up of three layers, which work together to keep your eyes smooth, clear, and lubricated:
- Oily Layer: This outside layer makes the tear surface smooth and prevents tears from drying up too quickly. It is made in the eye’s meibomian glands.
- Watery Layer: This middle layer makes up most of what we see as tears. It cleans the eye, washing away particles that do not belong. This layer comes from the lacrimal glands in the eyelids.
- Mucus Layer: This inner layer is the clear tissue covering the white of your eye and inside of your eyelids. Mucus (formed in the conjunctiva) spreads the watery layer over the eye’s surface to maintain moisture. Without this mucus, tears would not stick to the eye.
Dry eye occurs when any of the layers within the tear film are disrupted; this is known as tear film dysfunction.
What can lead to dry eye problems?
Common reasons to develop dry eyes include:
- Having certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, or lupus.
- Having Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red).
- Having Entropion (when eyelids turn in) or Ectropion (when eyelids turn outward).
- Being in smoke, wind, or a very dry climate
- Doing activities that reduce blinking, such as looking at a computer screen for a long time or reading.
- Using contact lenses for a long time.
- Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK.
- Taking certain medicines.
What medications can cause dry eyes?
Medications that could increase the risk of dry eye disease include:
- Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers for heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines).
- Sleeping pills.
- Anxiety or antidepressant medicines.
- Heartburn medicines.
Selecting the Right Treatment Option for Your Eye Health
This condition affects everyone differently, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach is not enough. At Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, we offer targeted treatments designed to address the cause of your dry eye problems, so you can experience lasting relief.
Our advanced treatment options include:
OptiLIGHT IPL
Light therapy to reduce inflammation and enhance tear production.
Punctal Plugs
Small devices placed in the tear ducts to help eyes retain natural tears.
TearCare
Wearable technology that provides targeted heat to meibomian glands.
Serum Tears
Custom eye drops created with your own blood serum to aid healing.
EyeRelief Capsules
Nutritional support to improve tear quality and eye comfort.
BlephEx
An in-office cleaning procedure to remove eyelid bacteria and debris.
Personalized Dry Eye Treatments With Oklahoma Eye Surgeons
Effective long-term dry eye treatment requires expert care tailored to your specific needs. At Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, we take a comprehensive approach, allowing us to effectively determine and target the specific source of your discomfort.
Whether your dry eye problems and symptoms are mild or severe, we are committed to improving your eye health and overall comfort. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.