Dry eye- the basics

For anyone suffering from dry eye disease, the frustration of living with uncomfortable eyes can have a negative impact on daily living.  Some sufferers have to decrease their time on the computer, alter their work environment or even avoid driving in bright sunlight.  The good news is that we as doctors are gaining a wealth on knowledge about this multi-factoral disease- yes it’s a disease of the eye!  And like any other disease it is chronic and if not treated properly progressive.

STEP 1: Have a formal dry eye evaluation.  At May Eye Care we have a specialist available to provide this type of exam, myself Dr. Leslie E. O’Dell.  There are a lot of factors that need to be addressed during this exam to help diagnosed the type of dry eye you have which is crucial to our treatments.

STEP 2: What type of dry eye?  You either are classified as Aqueous Deficient dry eye ( too little water or aqueous), Evaporative Dry eye (too little oil) or BOTH.

STEP 3: Treatment tailored to your disease This is really where the art of medicine is cruicial. You want to have a doctor with a lot of experience treating dry eye disease to assure you will have symptom relief.  These treatments include:

Over the counter products

Nutraceutical (ie Omega 3 fish oil)

Medications

Warm compresses

Moisture goggles

Punctal occlusion

Lipiflow treatment

STEP 4: Setting realistic expectations  This is a big a part of your success.  It’s important o understand that this is a chronic disease  day to day activities can contribute to your overall comfort or discomfort.  Also it’s important to understand that dry eye is a progressive disease, if you are starting treatment with mild disease you are much more likely to have symptom relief quickly.  On the other hand, a severe dry eye patient is going to have to do a lot in the way of treatment and work at those treatments each day to maintain a level of comfort and symptom relief.

 

Finding a good specialized eye care center is sometimes worth a trip.  We are always happy to see new patients.  Contact May Eye Care today for your evaluation, relief is in sight!  (717)637-1919