Dry Eye Treatment
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes.
Dry eyes affect millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 4.88 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from this uncomfortable condition.
If you need help, book an appointment at Lake Country Eye Care. We’ll help you find a treatment option that brings you the relief you’re searching for.
What are the common symptoms of dry eye?
Everyone experiences dry eye differently because there are so many potential underlying causes.
Typical symptoms include:
- Redness or eyes that appear irritated and bloodshot
- Consistent burning or tingling sensations in the eyes
- Eyes that feel itchy or as if they have something in them
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights or sunlight
- Excessive tearing, or eyes that always appear watery
What causes dry eye?
There are many potential causes of dry eye.
In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as environmental irritants or short-term inflammation.
Some of the other causes of chronic dry eye problems include:
- Disease of the meibomian glands
- Blepharitis
- Allergies
- Defects that affect the eyelid or shape of the eye
- Certain medications
- Abnormal eye pressure
- Deficiency of aqueous fluids
Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye.
How is dry eye diagnosed and treated?
Through imaging of the meibomian glands, measuring osmolarity of the tear film, and screening for certain conditions, we are able to diagnose and provide treatment for the condition.
Some of the typical treatments include:
- Prescription eye drops to combat inflammation
- Treating oil glands
- Blinking exercises or proper eyelid hygiene
If an infection is causing the issue, low-dose antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Learn more about other treatments we offer below.
iLux
iLux is a small handheld device that uses heat and gentle massage to melt blockages in the oil glands in your eyelids to encourage oils to flow more freely to your tear film.
- The procedure is completely painless and only takes a few minutes.
- There are no side effects and you can get back to your day as soon as the treatment is finished.
- Most people only need 1-2 treatments a year.
IPL
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a treatment that delivers pulses of light to liquefy and release oils that have hardened and clogged the oil glands in the eyelids. IPL also reduces eyelid redness and inflammation, and stimulates healthy gland function.
- The procedure takes around 15 minutes.
- It can be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.
- Doctors recommend 3-4 treatments around 3 weeks apart.
- This can only be performed with certain skin types and a few side effects may occur such as darkening or lightening of skin on the face.
Regener-Eyes Eye Drops
Moisturizing non-steroidal drop that heals and protects the surface of the eye.
- Can use once to 4 times a day per your doctor’s recommendation.
- Only available through your eye doctor or direct through Regener-Eyes.
- One bottle is $66, will last one to 2 months depending on use.
- Can taper off of it after relief is found (2-3 months).
Your eye doctor will discuss which solutions may be best for you and your dry eyes!
Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable — they can also be bad for the health of your eyes. Book an appointment at Lake Country Eye Care to find relief.