Personalized Dry Eye Management in Kent, WA
For people living with dry eye syndrome, the discomfort and interruptions in their daily lives are all too real. Optic Gallery offers a pathway to lasting comfort and improved vision, with a suite of innovative and personalized treatments that address the root causes of the condition.
The Complexities of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome affects millions worldwide and can result in diminished clarity. This condition is characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, which can significantly impact your well-being.
Common symptoms include itchiness, redness, a burning sensation, and a feeling that something in the eyes shouldn’t be there.
The Underlying Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of dry eye syndrome, our center delves deep into its root causes, such as:
- Aging
- Environmental conditions such as dry air or wind
- Prolonged screen use which reduces blink rate and tear distribution
- Medical conditions like Sjögren's syndrome
- Certain medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Key Player in Dry Eye
The leading cause of dry eye syndrome is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects the glands responsible for secreting oils that balance the tear film.
Sometimes, these glands can become blocked, which results in them malfunctioning and the tears evaporating faster than they should. By addressing MGD, we can significantly improve tear quality and provide lasting relief from discomfort.
The Underlying Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Our state-of-the-art clinic is skilled in using the latest innovations to combat dry eye syndrome.
- Artificial Tears and Lubricants: For immediate relief, we provide high-quality, preservative-free eye drops.
- Prescription Drops: Targeting inflammation and other underlying causes of dry eye, they help restore tear balance and ocular surface health.
- Punctal Plugs: A minimally invasive procedure that blocks the tears from draining, providing lasting relief.
- Meibomian Gland Expression: A specific treatment that unclogs oil glands in the eyelids, improving tear quality.
- BlephEx®, IPL, Low-Level Light & LipiFlow Therapy: Innovative treatments that address eyelid inflammation, blepharitis, and rosacea, contributing factors to dry eye.
- Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter contact lenses vault over the entire corneal surface, creating a tear-filled vault that provides constant lubrication.
- Amniotic Membrane: This technique involves applying a thin layer of preserved amniotic membrane onto the eye's surface, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications & Nutritional Supplements: Guided advice on diet, hydration, and environmental modifications to support overall eye health and ease symptoms.
Proactive Steps for Preventing Dry Eye
Preventing dry eye involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and environmental modifications. Here are some proactive measures you can take:
- 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to encourage blinking.
- Humidify Your Environment: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, reducing tears evaporation.
- Stay Hydrated with 8 Glasses: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy tear production.
- Dietary Changes: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and supplements can improve tear quality.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and UV rays, further reducing tear evaporation.
