Dry Eye

Discover Dry Eye Relief at Thrive Eye + Optical

Dry eye, while not a severe condition, can significantly impact your daily life. You might experience quicker eye fatigue, reading difficulties, and the discomfort of burning sensations or blurred vision. At Thrive Eye + Optical, we offer a comprehensive range of dry eye treatments, from simple self-care practices to cutting-edge prescriptions and therapies, ensuring you can see clearly and comfortably once more.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

To find the most suitable treatment for dry eye, it's essential to grasp the condition itself. Dry eye occurs when the eye lacks sufficient quality tears to lubricate and nourish its surface. Tears serve to reduce the risk of eye infections, remove foreign particles, and maintain a smooth and clear eye surface. Individuals with dry eyes either produce insufficient tears or their tears lack the necessary quality. This common issue, often chronic and prevalent among older adults, can lead to discomfort and vision disturbances.

Proactive Self-Care

Before we explore more advanced dry eye treatment options, consider these straightforward self-care strategies for managing mild cases of dry eye:

• Blink regularly, especially when reading or spending extended periods staring at a computer screen.

• Ensure proper humidity levels at home and work.

• Wear sunglasses with wraparound frames when outdoors to shield your eyes from sun and wind exposure.

• Incorporate essential fatty acid supplements into your diet, as they may alleviate dry eye symptoms.

• Stay adequately hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

• Consult with your healthcare provider to identify any medications that might cause dry eye as a side effect and inquire about alternative options.
  
  

Artificial Tears

For mild cases of dry eyes, over-the-counter eye drops are often the first line of defense. When selecting artificial tears, consider the following:

• Low viscosity drops are watery and typically offer quick relief without causing significant blurring of vision. However, their effects may be short-lived, requiring frequent application.

• High viscosity drops have a gel-like consistency, offering longer-lasting lubrication. They may temporarily blur your vision for a few minutes, making them suitable for bedtime use.
  
  

Prescription Dry Eye Treatments

For more severe cases of dry eye, prescription treatments tailored to your specific needs may be recommended by your eye doctor. These options include:

• Contact Lenses: Specialty lenses like scleral or bandage lenses can deliver moisture to the eye's surface.

• Antibiotics: If eyelid inflammation inhibits oil gland function, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Eye drops containing immune-suppressing medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or corticosteroids can control surface eye inflammation.

• Eye Inserts: In cases where artificial tears are insufficient, hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts (Lacrisert) can be placed between the lower eyelid and eyeball to slowly release lubricating substances.

• Autologous Blood Serum Drops: For severe, unresponsive dry eyes, these eye drops are created using your blood sample, processed to remove red blood cells, and mixed with a saline solution.
  
  

Dry Eye Procedures

For more advanced treatment, we offer the following procedures:

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny silicone plugs can partially or completely blocked tear ducts, reducing tear drainage and helping to keep tears in the eye for longer.

• Oil Gland Expression: Gentle heat and/or pressure applied to the oil glands that reside on the eyelids to improve oil volume in the tear film.

You don't need to endure the discomfort of dry eye symptoms. Consult with Dr. Chin at Thrive Eye + Optical to explore dry eye treatment options tailored to address the root cause of your condition. Your comfort and clear vision are our priorities.
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