Are you wondering if you might have Dry Eye?
Have your eyes been feeling dry, itchy, scratchy, achy, blurry, irritated, or tired? Have you been using artificial tears to lubricate your eyes?
Dry Eye symptoms can make it more difficult to perform your regular daily activities such as:
- Reading
- Driving (especially at night)
- Watching TV & Working on a computer or mobile devices (such as tablets & cell phones)
Our Doctors of Optometry use the latest technology to help diagnose the severity of Dry Eye in our patients.
Some of the tests they typically will do are:
- Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT)
- Fluorescein Staining
- Imaging with a corneal analyzer instrument
If left untreated, severe dry eye can lead to decreased quality of vision and increased risk of eye infections. Treatment may be geared towards symptom relief, improving vision, enhancing quality of life, slowing progression, restoring tear production, or correcting the issue that is causing Dry Eye.
Common treatment options (based on severity) include:
- Over-The-Counter Eye Drops
- Prescription Medications
- Surgical Options (such as punctal plugs)
Scheduling a visit with your Doctor of Optometry is the first step in helping diagnose and treat Dry Eye symptoms. Contact our knowledgeable staff to find out more information!
In the meantime, take note of the list of simple (and changeable) lifestyle habits which could be enough to help improve your Dry Eye symptoms.
Good habits
- Avoid exposure to allergens
- Avoid hot, windy, low-humidity & high-altitude environments
- Get an adequate amount of sleep & drink plenty of water
- Quit smoking and or avoid being around tobacco smoke
- Limit the amount of time you spend on activities that reduce blinking (watching TV, reading or computer, tablet & cell phone use)
- Adopt a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, fish oils, canola oil, flax seeds and flax seed oil, walnuts & walnut oil); they may reduce the inflammation associated with Dry Eye Disease.
*Dry Eye information courtesy of www.dryeyedisease.ca