Tears consist of oil, water, and mucus. These layers help prevent evaporation and spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. When your eyes fail to produce consistent quality or an adequate amount of tears, dry eye syndrome may develop.
According to Southwest Vision Center, your age, environmental factors, and computer habits may cause this condition. Although treatment depends on its causative factor, our trusted optometrist in Granger, IN, recommends the following tried-and-tested options.
Eye Drops
When you stare at a computer for a prolonged time, your eyes tend to blink less frequently. This increases your possibility of developing dry eyes. For short-term relief, we may prescribe using artificial tear eye drops to lubricate your eyes. Steroidal eye drops can also reduce the redness and irritation in dry eyes.
We may also recommend Restasis (Allergan) or Xiidra prescription eye drops. These can provide lubrication for your eyes and reduce dry eye-associated inflammation. Restasis can also increase your eye’s natural ability to produce tears. For its maximum effects, you have to use it for at least 90 days.
Lacrisert
Our reliable eye doctors in Granger, IN, may also recommend this slow-release lubricant. Once we place one under your eyes’ conjunctiva, it will thaw eventually. This can provide a longer lubricating effect for your eyes. We may recommend this to manage moderate to severe dry eye syndromes.
Punctal Plugs
These tiny silicone plugs close the tiny opening (punctum) in the inner corner of your upper and lower eyelids. This allows conservation of both your own tears and artificial tears you may have applied.
Meibomian Gland Expression and Lipiflow
These two have similar mechanisms to treat your dry eyes. These involve application of heat and gentle pressure on your eyelids to release lipids and Meibomian oils. They offer long lasting and painless relief and lubrication for your dry eyes.
Intense Pulsed Light
The light energy from the IPL acts as a warm compress and reduces inflammation. This helps liquefy the secretions obstructing the tear-producing Meibomian glands. You may notice improved tear flow afterwards.
Most importantly, we advise keeping your regular eye visits. This will allow us to monitor effectiveness of the recommended dry eye treatment and help us come up with better management according to your needs and lifestyle.
Whether you need dry eye treatment or fitting for contact lenses in Three Rivers, MI, we can help you. Call us at (269) 414-4492 (Edwardsburg) or (269) 273-8588 (Three Rivers) to schedule an appointment.