Dry Eye Treatment & Care Services
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome or just dry eye for short refers to a common eye condition where someone doesn’t produce enough quality tears and the eyes do not have enough lubrication. Tears help maintain good eye health and vision, so when tear production is inadequate, it may lead to problems like infections and damage to the eye surface.
Dry eye typically occurs in both eyes and can be a result of several factors such as hormone changes, aging, diet, medications, smoke exposure, dry climates, and more. It may also be a side effect of another health condition. Regardless of the cause, dry eye can be uncomfortable. At Ideal EyeCare, we can diagnose the condition as well as offer guidance on the best treatment for dry eyes to help you find some relief.
Signs You Need Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition, but not everyone will be quick to get the dry eye care they need. Some people may also need help with dry eyes but not even realize it.
Some common signs that you may need dry eye care include:
- Stinging or burning in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Red eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Scratchy feeling like something is in your eye
- Watery eyes from a frequent feeling of irritation
- Pain when wearing contacts
All these symptoms could be a sign you need dry eye syndrome treatment or even other care, so you should seek the help of one of our optometrists in Council Bluffs and Omaha to find out more.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
There are ways to treat dry eye, but you need to be diagnosed first. When you come into one of our offices, we will start with an eye exam that includes a variety of tests to get a full picture of the problem at hand. This comprehensive exam can also help rule out other problems or conditions.
If your doctor suspects dry eye, they will perform a series of tests to look more closely at the quality and volume of tears as well as your tear evaporation. They may also take samples of your tears to look for markers that indicate dry eye syndrome or evaluate the surface of the eyes for damage. All of these tests can help determine not only the presence of dry eye but also how severe the condition is. From here, your doctor will work with you to determine how to treat dry eye syndrome in a way that is best for you.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Dry eye can range from milder to severe so everyone’s treatment plan may be a little different. Our doctors will look to create a treatment plan that helps you maintain healthy eyes, minimize dryness, decrease discomfort, and prevent vision problems.
For those with occasional or mild symptoms, our doctors may recommend eye drops to begin. There are several dry eye care products on the market, so it may take some time to find the right ones. In some cases, dry eye may also be a side effect of certain drugs so changing medications may resolve the issues.
Those needing chronic dry eye treatment may have to try other treatment options. Tear duct plugs, medications for inflammation, tear-stimulating drugs, special eye drops, specialty contact lenses, light therapy, or plastic surgery of the eyelids may all be viable options for your dry eye treatment. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best approach to caring for your dry eye.
If you believe you may have dry eye or your current treatment for dry eye is not working, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. Our offices in Omaha and Council Bluffs are here to help you stop living with constant eye discomfort.