Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye Treatment Q & A

What is dry eye treatment?

Dry eye treatment at Optic Gallery South Meadows restores moisture to eyes that become dry due to specific health concerns or the environment. Tears are made up of mucus, oils, water, and antibodies. When you blink, the tears protect your eye’s surface and reduce irritation. Tears also help reduce infections.

​​​​​​​Dry eye can present as:

• Light sensitivity

• Burning

• Stinging

• Irritation

• Redness

• Scratchy sensation

• Stringy mucus

• Difficulty with nighttime driving

• Problems wearing contact lenses

• Blurred vision

• Eye fatigue

If you don’t produce enough tears or have tears that are poor quality, dry eye can develop. When left untreated, this condition can cause bothersome symptoms and problematic complications.

What can cause dry eyes?

While anyone can develop dry eyes, common risk factors include:

• Being over 50

• Being female

• Pregnancy

• Menopause

• Hormone changes

• Some medications

• Dry air, wind, or smoke

• Family history of dry eyes

• Previous eye surgery

• Vitamin A deficiency

• Wearing contact lenses

• Problems with the eyelids

• Nerve damage

• Eye strain

Ways to reduce your chance of dry eye include avoiding fans, using a humidifier, wearing protective eyewear, not smoking, and taking breaks during long tasks. A well-balanced diet helps keep your eyes properly lubricated.

What is the treatment for dry eye?

Depending on the cause and severity of dry eye, your Optic Gallery South Meadows specialist may recommend:

• Artificial tears

• Prescriptions eye drops

• Medications

• Eye inserts

• Diet changes

• Dietary supplements

• Light therapy

• Nasal spray

• Eyelid massage

• Specialty contact lenses

• Eye procedures

Wearing specialty contact lenses can protect your eyes and retain moisture. Undergoing a medical procedure to close the tear ducts helps reduce tear loss.

It’s also important to avoid smoking and eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. Foods containing omega-3s include fatty fish, vegetable oils, and walnuts.

Call the Optic Gallery South Meadows office to take advantage of dry eye treatment.