Are you waking up with dry, burning eyes or struggling with blurry vision throughout the day? You may be experiencing dry eye syndrome. This eye condition, which is caused by inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, can lead to significant discomfort and eye health issues if left untreated.
Hartsdale Family Eyecare in Hartsdale offers comprehensive evaluations and state-of-the-art treatments to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
Dry Eye: What is Aqueous Deficiency?
Tears are essential for providing moisture, nutrients, and protection to the eyes, and a lack of sufficient tear production can lead to discomfort and vision problems. Aqueous deficiency dry eye, also known as tear deficiency, is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to maintain a healthy, lubricated surface.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including:
- Aging: Tear production decreases with age.
- Hormonal Changes: Particularly in women during menopause, pregnancy, and contraceptive use.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Sjögren's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can cause tear gland dysfunction.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, and dry climates can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can affect tear production.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting oils that prevent the evaporation of tears.
Symptoms of Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye
Common symptoms of aqueous deficiency dry eye include:
- Persistent dryness, including waking up with dry eyes
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Watery eyes (as a response to dryness)
Diagnosis at Our Dry Eye Clinic
This is what you can expect during your comprehensive dry eye exam:
- Patient History: Discussing symptoms and medical history.
- Tear Film Analysis: Measuring tear production and quality.
- Eye Surface Examination: Checking for signs of dryness and damage.
- Specialized Tests: Such as the Schirmer test and tear osmolarity test.
Advanced Treatments at Hartsdale Family Eyecare
We offer a range of advanced treatments to manage and alleviate the symptoms of aqueous deficiency dry eye:
1. BlephEx Treatment for Blepharitis
BlephEx is a revolutionary treatment for blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. This in-office procedure removes bacteria and debris from the eyelids, improving overall eye health and comfort. Our eye doctors can also offer blepharitis eye spray for at-home use.
2. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
This is an innovative treatment that uses light pulses to reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, which is essential for tear production. By allowing oil to flow freely from the glands, this therapy can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms and improve tear film stability. Search for IPL for dry eyes near you to get this treatment.
3. LipiFlow: Dry Eye Treatment
LipiFlow is a state-of-the-art treatment that combines heat and gentle pressure to unblock the meibomian glands. This procedure restores natural oil flow to the tear film, providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
4. TearCare Dry Eye Treatment
TearCare is a customizable treatment that applies heat to the eyelids, melting the blockages in the meibomian glands. This in-office procedure is comfortable and effective, offering significant symptom relief.
Other Dry Eye Management Plans
In addition to these advanced treatments, we offer a range of options tailored to your specific needs, including:
- Preservative Free Eye Drops: Specialized formulations to enhance tear production and eye lubrication.
- Eye Gel for Dry Eyes: To provide long-lasting moisture and comfort.
- Foods for Dry Eyes & Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to support eye health.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips to reduce environmental triggers and improve eye comfort.
- Dry Eyes Contacts: Special contact lenses designed to retain moisture.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Hartsdale Family Eyecare in Hartsdale, we are dedicated to providing personalized, effective treatments for aqueous deficiency dry eye. Schedule a consultation today!