Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Options

Experiencing chronic irritation caused by dry eye syndrome can significantly impact your daily life. At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we offer a variety of treatment options to treat dry eyes and manage symptoms like blurred vision, eye redness, and discomfort. Whether you’re struggling with wearing contact lenses or are dealing with other medical conditions that trigger dryness, we're here to help you achieve lasting relief.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when the eyes don't produce enough quality or quantity of tears. This leads to discomfort and even difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably. In severe cases, untreated dry eye can result in corneal inflammation, infections, or permanent damage to the eye's surface. Early treatment is essential for preserving your vision and maintaining your eye health.

Common Signs of Dry Eye You Shouldn’t Ignore

Could you have dry eye syndrome? Be sure to look out for these common symptoms:

• Blurred Vision: Vision may become hazy, especially after screen use or reading.
• Eye Redness: Irritation can lead to noticeable redness, making your eyes look inflamed.
• Burning or Scratchy Sensation: This discomfort can feel like you have a particle in your eyes.
• Watery Eyes: Although contradictory, dryness can overstimulate tear production, resulting in excessive watering.

If these symptoms sound familiar, visit with our practice for a thorough diagnosis and a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

What’s Behind Your Dry Eyes? Root Causes Explained

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by several factors. Understanding the underlying reasons of your is key for finding the most effective solution:

• Age-Related Changes: Hormonal shifts triggered by contraceptives, menopause and pregnancy can reduce tear production.
• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can interfere with natural tear production.
• Environmental Factors: Dry, dusty, or windy conditions, and indoor air conditioning or heating worsen dryness.
• Systemic Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, or Sjogren’s Syndrome are known to impact tear production.
• Lifestyle Habits: Prolonged screen use, insufficient blinking, or smoking can aggravate dry eyes.
• Eyelid Issues: People who struggle to close their eyelids completely or those with blepharitis can experience persistent dryness.

Identifying the cause of your case of dry eye can help us tailor treatment options that alleviate your symptoms while addressing the core issue.

Effective Treatment Options to Soothe Your Dry Eyes

At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we provide effective dry eye care in Camas, including a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs:

• Artificial Tears: We can recommend over-the-counter drops that offer immediate relief for mild dryness.
• Prescription Eye Drops: For more severe cases, our prescription medications provide longer-lasting results.
• Steroid Drops: Ideal for reducing inflammation, steroid drops are used for short-term relief during flare-ups.
• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts, helping retain moisture.
• Warm Compresses: Especially effective for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the eyes are unable to release oils into the tear film, warm compresses improve oil production.
• Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes: If you struggle with traditional contacts, our specialty lenses can provide enhanced comfort and hydration.
• Nutritional Supplements: Taking omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and support healthy tear production.

Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes Before They Start

Prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to managing dry eyes. Consider making these habits a part of your daily routine to minimize symptoms:

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors, especially in windy or sunny conditions.
• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in dry or heated environments.
• Avoid direct air from heaters or air conditioners.
• Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid smoking.

These simple measures can reduce blurred vision, eye redness, and other symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

Find Dry Relief with Expert Eye Care in Camas

Don’t let dry eye symptoms disrupt your daily life. Dr. Lewis Eye Care provides personalized dry eye treatments, offering tailored solutions to address your condition effectively.