Dry Eye Treatment in Green Acres, FL

Dry eye is more common than many realize. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 20 million people in the United States have this condition. Unfortunately, these numbers are rising, and artificial tears are usually not enough to bring relief.

We offer a range of treatments for patients with poor-quality tears. Our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam on your eyes to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms so we can offer the correct dry eye treatment options. You shouldn’t have to suffer another day with your dry eyes!

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition characterized by insufficient tear production. People may develop dry eye for many reasons, including tear duct damage. Many of our patients are surprised to learn their watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome.

We are concerned about your eye health and will work to offer you dry eye treatments that address the cause of your dry eye disease. Schedule your appointment today with our eye doctors.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Before we conduct your comprehensive eye examination, the doctor will talk to you about dry eye symptoms. You may experience the following symptoms with your dry eye condition.

  1. Stinging and burning sensations in your eyes
  2. Itchy eyes
  3. Feeling like something is in your eyes
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Redness
  6. Irritation

If you experience dry eye symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment. Some people mistake their symptoms for other conditions, including allergies. Correctly diagnosing dry eyes will help you keep your eyes hydrated

What Causes Dry Eye?

Many factors cause dry eye, including environmental factors like dry climate. Even your air conditioning can cause dry eye problems. You are at an increased risk of developing dry eyes if you have any of the following:

  1. Decreased tears due to aging
  2. Female hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause and with birth control pills
  3. Autoimmune medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  4. Eyelid disorders like Blepharitis and Bell’s Palsy
  5. Medications like diuretics and beta blockers
  6. Laser vision correction
  7. Benign growths like pinguecula and pterygium

The Tear Film: How the Human Eye Produces Tears

The tear film on your eyes is critical for their normal function. Anything that disrupts this film can lead to the symptoms of dry eye. There are three layers to your tear film:

  1. The meibomian gland produces the oily layer.
  2. The lacrimal gland produces the water layer.
  3. The mucous layer is produced by the goblet cells.

If the tear film becomes disrupted, you can develop dry eye syndrome. The oily layer is critical for protecting your sensitive eyes. We will examine your meibomian glands to determine if they are working correctly. We will help determine which treatment will bring the greatest relief and protection.

Why Are Your Tears So Important

Your eyes produce two types of tears. Lubricating tears are produced constantly to keep your eyes moisturized. The eyes produce reflex tears due to strong emotions, foreign objects, and dry conditions.

Even if you drink more water, your tear flow may be impeded. If you experience dry eyes from computer use, there are options to help you treat the symptoms and help your tear glands work more efficiently.

How Does the Doctor Diagnose Dry Eye?

We offer the highest-quality treatment options if your eyes are not producing enough tears. We invite you to schedule an eye exam to determine if you have dry eye syndrome.

Our eye doctor will use a slit lamp examination to examine the structures of your eyes to determine if the tears drain correctly and if the meibomian glands are functioning properly. Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most common causes of dry eye.

A dry eye exam will protect your vision because we can determine the cause of your dry eye and offer treatment to improve tear production. It is essential to seek prompt treatment in the office today to prevent eye abrasions and corneal ulcers.

What to Expect From Dry Eye Treatment Greenacres, FL

We offer a range of dry eye treatments that address the underlying cause instead of attempting to cover the problem with a bandaid approach. The following are some treatment options for this chronic condition.

MIBOFLO THERMOFLO®

MiBoFlo Thermoflo® is a state-of-the-art treatment option that uses a thermoelectric heat pump to improve the liquefication of meibum, effectively protecting your tear film. The MiBoFlo Thermoflo® device produces the perfect level of heat for maximum effectiveness.

This therapy is not painful; our entire staff will ensure your eye care experience is positive. The doctor will apply the device to dry eyes, and you can begin to see benefits immediately.

Vitamins

We also work to educate our patients on the importance of nutrition to treat dry eye. As a part of your eye care treatment, we recommend omega-3 fatty acids to encourage production. Vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B2, 6, and 12 can improve the way your eyes make tears. These vitamins support the function of your tear ducts.

In addition to vitamin supplements, we recommend eating a healthy diet with leafy greens and various fresh fruits and vegetables to protect your tear function and improve several factors contributing to dry eye syndrome.

Artificial Tears

For mild cases of dry eye, prescription or over-the-counter eye drops can relieve dry eyes that occasionally occur because of dry air, allergies, and other factors. These drops lubricate the front surface of your eye and protect against irritation.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are gas-permeable contacts. These rigid contacts rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye.

Scleral contact lenses combat poor-quality tear formation by creating a reservoir of tears under the lens that continuously bathes the eye in moisture. For some patients, these lenses work better for dry eyes than eye drops.

Which Dry Eye Treatment Is Best For You?

Do you have the symptoms of dry eye syndrome? Call our office in Greenacres, FL, to schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve patients in Greenacres, West Palm Beach, and surrounding communities.

Dry eye syndrome can cause serious complications, including damage to your eyes. Do not wait to seek treatment. We are your partners to protect your eyes and help you see the world more clearly and with greater comfort. Call us right away to schedule your appointment.

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