Dry eye may cause itching, swelling, and watery eyes, which can make everyday activities like reading or driving difficult. At Arvada Optometric Center in Arvada, CO, we provide comprehensive eye exams to better understanding your condition and treatment to relieve your symptoms. Before visiting us, continue reading to learn more about dry eye!
Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, you may experience redness, a burning sensation, light sensitivity, or even blurry vision. The condition is often caused by aging, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or hormonal changes.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
Diagnosing dry eye usually starts with a thorough eye exam, during which our optometrists will assess your symptoms and the overall health of your eyes. We may use tests like the Schirmer test, which measures tear production, or a dye test to check for damage to the surface of your eyes. In some cases, we may also assess the quality of your tears to determine whether they evaporate too quickly. Based on these findings, our eye doctors will recommend the most appropriate treatments.
Treatment Options
There are various treatments available for dry eye. Some of these methods include:
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops help add moisture to the eyes, offering immediate relief from dryness. They can be used multiple times a day to reduce discomfort.
- Prescription Medications: Eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) decrease inflammation and stimulate natural tear production. These medications are typically prescribed when over-the-counter solutions aren’t effective.
- Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes helps loosen blockages in the meibomian glands, improving the quality of the tear film and reducing dryness. It also alleviates discomfort caused by inflammation.
- Punctal Plugs: These small devices are placed in the tear ducts to block tear drainage and help to retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs are often recommended for more persistent cases of dry eye.
- Scleral Lenses: These specially designed contact lenses cover the entire cornea, creating a protective barrier that helps alleviate dryness and keeps the eyes properly lubricated.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today!
Whether you need dry eye treatment or computer vision treatment, our team at Arvada Optometric Center in Arvada, CO, is happy to help. We offer personalized care to address your specific needs and improve your eye health. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at (303) 424-5282 today. When you’re looking for an optometrist near you, we are ready to assist!
