At Brookstone Eye Center, we know that dry eye can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can disrupt your daily activities and affect your overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing irritation, blurry vision, or a constant gritty feeling, dry eye disease can significantly impact your quality of life. With our advanced diagnostic tools and effective treatment options, we can help you find the relief you need.
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep them properly lubricated. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye’s surface, keeping it moist, and providing clear vision. Without enough moisture, your eyes can become irritated, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Dry eye can also affect your ability to see clearly and cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Several factors can lead to dry eye disease, including:
Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, particularly after the age of 50.
Environmental factors: Wind, dry air, or pollution can increase evaporation of your tears, leading to dryness.
Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and birth control pills, can reduce tear production.
Health conditions: Diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diseases can affect tear production.
Screen time: Spending long hours in front of screens can reduce the frequency of blinking, which is essential for spreading tears across the eye's surface.
Contact lenses: Extended wear of contact lenses can disrupt tear production and cause irritation.
Eyelid Problems: Blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction can disrupt the production or quality of tears.
The symptoms of dry eye can vary from mild to severe, but common signs include:
A gritty, sandy feeling in your eyes
Burning or stinging sensation
Redness
Irritation
Blurry or fluctuating
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes
At Brookstone Eye Center, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess the health of your eyes and determine the cause of your dry eye through a thorough evaluation. Our comprehensive approach includes Firefly slit lamp imaging, which allows us to get a detailed view of the eye's surface, including the tear film and cornea. Additionally, we use Optomap retinal imaging, which helps us monitor how dry eye may be affecting the back of the eye. These tools help us identify any irregularities or damage caused by dry eye, ensuring we can tailor the best treatment plan for your specific condition. By combining these diagnostic tests, we gain a complete understanding of your eye health to provide the most effective care.
We offer a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. Depending on the severity and cause of your dry eye, we may recommend one or more treatments.
In addition to the treatments best suited for your needs, we may also recommend oral supplements, lid hygiene, artificial tears, or punctal plugs to help manage dry eye symptoms.
At Brookstone Eye Center, our experienced optometrists are dedicated to providing the best care for your eyes. With our advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options, we can effectively manage and treat your dry eye symptoms. Whether you're experiencing mild discomfort or more severe symptoms, we’re here to help you find relief.
If you’re struggling with dry eye, contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.