Dry eyes can be more than a minor inconvenience; they can significantly impact how you feel day to day. Whether it’s constant discomfort, blurred vision, or a persistent gritty sensation, dealing with dry eyes can be frustrating. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, it’s important to understand what’s causing them so you can find effective relief. In this blog, we’ll explore the primary cause of dry eyes and discuss some innovative treatments that can help you get back to feeling your best.
What is the leading cause of dry eyes?
While dry eyes can have multiple causes, the main cause is often meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These tiny oil-producing glands in your eyelids play a crucial role in maintaining optimal eye health. They release oils that form the outer layer of the tear film, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or aren’t functioning correctly, less and less oil reaches the surface of the eye. This can cause the tears to evaporate faster, leading to dry eye.
A number of factors can contribute to MGD, including:
- Aging: Age can affect our meibomian glands’ functioning.
- Screen time: Spending long hours in front of digital screens can reduce how often we blink, contributing to this issue.
- Contact lens use: Wearing contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can worsen MGD.
- Certain medications: Some medications, like antihistamines and antidepressants, can affect tear production.
Symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction
Recognizing the symptoms of MGD can help you seek the right treatment. Common symptoms include:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes, as your body tries to compensate for dryness
Advanced treatment options for dry eyes
If you’ve been dealing with dry eyes for a while, you’ve probably tried a variety of treatments, from over-the-counter eye drops to home remedies. But if nothing seems to work, don’t lose hope. At our practices, we offer a range of dry eye treatment options in Avon and New Hartford to address the root causes of dry eyes, particularly meibomian gland dysfunction:
- Celluma Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT): This gentle, non-invasive therapy uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the meibomian glands.
- OptiLight IPL Therapy: Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy helps open up blocked glands, improving oil secretion and reducing inflammation around the eyelids.
- Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST): This in-office procedure cleanses the eyelids and removes debris that can block the glands, enhancing their function.
- Forma-I Radiofrequency Treatment: This therapy uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve the function of the meibomian glands.
- The TearCare® System: This personalized treatment involves applying heat to the eyelids to melt blocked oils, followed by gland expression to restore natural oil flow.
- Scleral Lenses: Even if you have dry eye, it’s still possible to wear contact lenses! Scleral contact lenses provide a reservoir of tears over the cornea, keeping your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
With the right care and advanced treatments, you can manage your dry eye symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life. If you’ve exhausted other options without finding relief, our eye care professionals at Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates can help. Our treatments are designed to address the underlying issues, providing you with a more effective and long-lasting solution. If you’re ready to explore your options and find relief, give us a call today or book an appointment online.