“Dry eye”  refers to a complex condition with various causes and symptoms. Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears to stay adequately lubricated, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms of dry eye can including irritation, redness, gritty feeling, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or even tearing. These symptoms can severely impact your day-to-day activities, making it difficult to work, drive, or even enjoy leisure activities.
 

Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be effected by age, autoimmune conditions, environmental factors, and even the overuse of digital devices. Understanding the cause of your dry eye is the first step towards seeking effective dry eye treatment.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional advice for a correct diagnosis. Ignoring dry eye can lead to more severe complications, such as corneal damage, lasting vision problems and Dry eye if left untreated progresses.
 

The Importance of Seeking Dry Eye Treatment

The discomfort that dry eye causes can significantly disrupt your life and your emotional well-being. Treating dry eye isn't just about managing symptoms. It's about addressing the root cause of your dry eye to provide long-term relief. Additionally, seeking treatment can prevent further complications and promote overall eye health.

Even cases that may seem to be a minor nuisance need a full evaluation. If untreated, this condition can evolve into a chronic problem, making it even more challenging to manage in the long run. Dr Andrus has the technology and takes time to make sure that proper treatment is initiated.
 

Common Dry Eye Treatments

There are several dry eye treatments available to help manage this condition. The treatment plan is usually tailored to the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your dry eye. Treatments that Dr Andrus offers (and many he has used himself) include IPL, stem cell grafts, Maskin procedure for opening plugged oil glands, and may others
 

Over-the-Counter Options for Dry Eye Treatment

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options generally are not beneficial. These include artificial tears, lubricating eye ointments, and eye drops. Some exceptions may include thick gel drops used at night depending on the exact cause of dry eye. While OTC treatments can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of dry eye.
 

Prescription Treatments for Dry Eye

Some prescription treatments for dry eye include anti-inflammatory eye drops. In some cases, Dr Andrus prescribes scleral contact lenses designed to retain moisture and protect the eye surface. These lenses can provide relief from symptoms and are often used in conjunction with other treatments.
 

Advanced and Surgical Treatments for Dry Eyes

For severe or persistent cases of dry eye, advanced or surgical treatments may be necessary. One such treatment is punctal plugs, tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly. In Most cases Dr Andrus does not use punctal plugs due to the inflammatory nature of dry eye.

Another advanced treatment is Thermal gland expression, there are many devices that apply heat to the eyelids and pressure to unblock the meibomian glands. This process allows for the natural production of the oil layer in tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly.

Dr Andrus only uses thermal gland expression in conjunction with IPL treatments. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and involves a series of treaments that target the inflamed surface blood vessels in the face and eye lids.
 

Conclusion

Dry eye is a complex condition that requires a personalized approach to treatment. It's not enough to simply manage symptoms; the underlying cause must be addressed to achieve long-lasting relief. Remember, dry eye is more than just a nuisance. It's a condition that, when left untreated, can have serious implications for your eye health. So, don't ignore the signs. Seek help, get treated, and reclaim your comfort and quality of life.


If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Mid-Modern Eyecare at our Midland, Michigan office. Call (989) 486-3025 to schedule an appointment today.