Dry Eye Treatment From Our Optometrist in Yakima
Dry eyes are uncomfortable. Individuals who experience dry eye can find relief from an optometrist in Yakima. It’s beneficial for a patient to understand the condition and the treatment prior to scheduling an appointment.
What Are Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eyes tend to cause discomfort such as a burning, stinging or a scratchy feeling in the eyes. The eyes may become red. It’s also possible for the person to experience sensitivity to light. The mucus in or around the eyes may become stringy. It’s also possible for the eyes to become watery due to the irritation. Those who have dry eye may complain of a frequent feeling of having something in their eye. It even has the potential to cause blurred vision or eye fatigue. Dry eye may interfere with a person’s ability to wear contact lenses. Moreover, the person might have difficulty driving at night.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Generally, dry eyes are caused by a decrease in tear production or an increase in tear evaporation. The problem may stem from an imbalance in the composition of the tears since tears are comprised of a balanced mixture of mucus, fatty oils, and water. Certain factors contribute to dry eye such aging. People who have medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjorgren’s syndrome, certain thyroid disorders, lupus or scleroderma may have a decrease in tear production. Diabetes is oftentimes a culprit of a decrease in tear production as well and so is a vitamin A deficiency. Some medications will decrease a person’s tear production such as hormone replacement therapy, high blood pressure medications or antidepressants. Damage to the tear glands from either radiation or inflammation will reduce a person’s tear production. If a person’s eyes turn outward or inward, the person might have an increase in tear evaporation. On the hand, the person might have a clogged gland, which is interfering with the composition of his or her tears.
How is Dry Eye Treated at Yakima Vision Center?
An Optometrist at Yakima Vision Center must first determine the cause of the dry eyes in order to treat it effectively. This may require testing or a thorough examination of the eye. The dry eye doctor may need to treat the underlying health condition. In some cases, this may require a referral to an eye surgeon to correct eyelid conditions. The eye doctor may need to refer the patient to a specialist like a rheumatologist for lupus. Medications are effective treatments for some patients. For instance, some patients benefit from medications that reduce the swelling in the eye. The immune-suppressing medication cyclosporine comes in an eye drop and has the ability to reduce inflammation. Eye inserts can work like artificial tears. The eye doctor could also prescribe tear-stimulating drugs or autologous blood serum drops. Other treatments are available as well.
Call Yakima Vision Center Today!
To learn more about dry eye treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact us at Yakima Vision Center at (509) 965-5200. We look forward to meeting with you!