Dry Eye Disease Management

Dry Eye Disease Management

Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that can result from either not enough tear production or poor quality tears that aren't able to keep the surface of your eyes sufficiently lubricated. This imbalance leads to inflammation and damage of your eye's surface.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common sources of dry eye. The meibomian glands are tiny oil glands located in the eyelids. Their role is to secrete oils that keep the tear film stable and prevent rapid evaporation. When these glands are unable to function properly, the tear film lacks the necessary oil layer, leading to quicker evaporation and dry eye symptoms.

Other causes of dry eye can be attributed to a variety of factors. Aging is a natural cause, as tear production tends to decrease as you get older. Environmental conditions such as wind, smoke, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation, leaving your eyes less protected.

Systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems can also contribute to dry eye. These conditions can affect the quality and production of your tears. Additionally, medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production. Even prolonged periods of screen time can lead to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye disease is essential for seeking appropriate evaluation and management. Common symptoms include:

• Dryness: Persistent feelings of dryness, grittiness, or a sensation of something being "in" the eye.

• Burning or Stinging: Sensations of burning or stinging in the eyes, particularly after periods of prolonged visual tasks.

• Blurry Vision: Intermittent or fluctuating blurry vision, especially during activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or using digital devices. •

• ​​​​​​​Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light, particularly in bright or windy environments.

• Itchiness: Persistent itching or irritation of the eyes.

• Redness: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot due to irritation from dryness.

• Lens Discomfort: Increased discomfort, dryness, or irritation while wearing contact lenses.

• Excessive Tearing: Some individuals may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the dryness, leading to watery eyes.

• Tired Eyes: Increased eye fatigue or a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids, particularly after prolonged periods of visual concentration.

• Worsening Symptoms During Reading or Computer Work: Symptoms may intensify during activities that require sustained attention to close-up objects or screens.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

At Lakefront Eyecare, a comprehensive ocular evaluation is the cornerstone of diagnosing dry eye. This thorough examination goes beyond a basic vision check to assess the health of your eyes and the quality of your tears. The evaluation includes a detailed history to understand any contributing factors such as environmental exposures, medication use, or systemic conditions that could affect your eye health.

Miebography is a revolutionary diagnostic tool that has transformed the way dry eye is diagnosed and treated. This imaging technique allows for a detailed view of the meibomian glands, providing crucial information about their structure and function. With miebography, our optometrist can identify meibomian gland dysfunction with precision, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

The treatment options for dry eye are diverse and can be customized to meet your specific needs. The most common treatments involve over-the-counter artificial tears. However, for more persistent dry eye symptoms, prescription eye drops that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation may be recommended.

OptiLight IPL

As a leader in eye care, Lakefront Eyecare is proud to offer OpiLight by Lumines as part of their comprehensive dry eye treatment options. OpiLight is a breakthrough technology in the management of dry eye disease, particularly when it comes to meibomian gland dysfunction. This innovative treatment uses optimized intense pulsed light to target the root causes of dry eye. The light therapy helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate the normal function of the meibomian glands, leading to improved tear film quality and relief from dry eye symptoms.

The OpiLight treatment is quick, non-invasive, and requires no downtime, making it an attractive option for those seeking relief from the discomfort of dry eye. By reducing the reliance on eye drops and other temporary measures, OpiLight offers a more sustainable and long-term solution to managing dry eye disease.

Choose Lakefront Eyecare for Your Dry Eye Disease Management

Choosing Lakefront Eyecare for your dry eye disease management means you're opting for a patient-centered approach that prioritizes your comfort and eye health. Our optometry's dedication to utilizing the latest advancements in eye care technology ensures that you receive the most effective treatments available. With a team of experienced professionals, Lakefront Eyecare offers a warm and welcoming environment where your concerns are heard, and your eye health is the top priority.

​​​​​​​If you're ready to take control of your eye health and experience the relief you deserve, reach out to Lakefront Eyecare today.


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