Dry eyes are a common condition that affects millions of people. The condition can range from mild to severe and occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when those tears evaporate too quickly. It can result in the eyes feeling dry, itchy, burning, and in pain, and can make everyday tasks at work or school difficult. In short, dry eyes are a frustrating condition that those afflicted will benefit from treating. So, how do you fix dry eyes? We answer this question below.
How Do You Fix Dry Eyes?
Treating dry eyes starts with identifying the cause of the condition. For many people, dry eyes are caused by a condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing oils, which keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are clogged, your eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed. The team at Revive Eye and Face uses two primary treatment methods for dry eye.
Lumecca-I
Lumecca-I uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to gently heat the eyelid area. It targets the blood vessels and inflammation that contribute to gland dysfunction. IPL melts any solidified oils, opening up the meibomian glands. The treatment also reduces bacteria and inflammation, both of which can exacerbate your dry eye symptoms.
IPL treatment is ideal for patients with chronic eyelid inflammation and facial or eyelid rosacea. It is also ideal for patients with Demodex-related dry eye. An added benefit of the treatment is that it can improve skin tone and reduce redness in the surrounding facial area.
Forma-I
Forma-I utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the meibomian glands and surrounding tissue, thereby melting thick oil blockages. It targets. It also gently applies pressure to push oil out of the glands. This encourages healthy tear production and reduces discomfort. The treatment also stimulates collagen production in the eyelids.
This treatment is ideal for people with severely blocked oil glands or who do not respond well to warm compresses. The ideal candidates are also those with age-related eyelid laxity, wrinkles, and patients looking for non-surgical eyelid tightening with dry eye relief. The treatment has the added benefit of tightening and firming the skin around the eyelids.
What to Expect During Dry Eye Treatment
Both IPL and RF energy treatment sessions last roughly thirty minutes. Some patients notice relief from their dry eye symptoms after just one session. A series of treatments is recommended for optimal results. Each patient is unique, but the recommended treatment schedule typically consists of three treatments, administered one month apart. Work with a skilled and experienced oculoplastic surgeon who can provide a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. There is no need for anesthesia, so you can return to your normal activities on the same day. You may notice some swelling and redness after treatment. This is completely normal and should go away within a few hours.
Common Causes of Dry Eyes
Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most common causes of dry eye. However, there are various causes, so it is essential to determine the cause of your dry eyes. Below are some of the other common causes of dry eyes.
Aging
As you get older, your eyes naturally produce fewer tears. The decrease in tear production makes it harder for a person to keep their eyes lubricated throughout the day. In turn, dry eyes are especially common among people over the age of 50.
Screen Use
The use of screens has become increasingly more common in the workplace and schools. The ubiquity of screens means that this cause of dry eyes is present across all age groups.
Looking at phones, tablets, or computers for long periods can lead to dry eyes because prolonged screen use results in less blinking. Fewer blinks subsequently means fewer tears. When tears are not produced, a person can experience eye dryness, blurry vision, and fatigue.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors sped up tear evaporation. Wind, air, and dust, for instance, can dry out your tear film. Indoor environments can also dry your eyes through the use of indoor heating and air conditioning. Both scenarios can cause your eyes to feel gritty, blurry, or irritated. These effects may be especially present if you live in a dry climate.
Medications
Certain medications can have a side effect of lowering tear production. Medications that can cause dry eyes include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and certain acne medications. If you experience dry eyes immediately after starting a medication, consult your healthcare provider. They may be able to switch your medications or provide something to address your dry eyes.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause dry eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are known to attack the tear glands. Thyroid conditions and certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, can also affect tear production or eyelid function. Without proper treatment, these conditions can worsen over time, leading to more severe dry eyes. Consult with a medical professional if you experience persistent dry eyes or associated conditions.
When to Contact an Oculoplastic Surgeon for Dry Eyes
If you have tried several at-home treatment options with no improvement, it may be time to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon. Common at-home treatments include warm compresses, over-the-counter eye drops, and lifestyle changes. An oculoplastic surgeon specializes in both medical and cosmetic conditions of the eyelids and surrounding structures. With that, they can ensure your dry eyes are treated without causing any cosmetic issues. If you experience any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with an oculoplastic surgeon right away.
- Persistent dry eye symptoms that worsen
- Frequent infections, redness, or swelling
- Vision issues caused by dryness or irritation
- Previous eye surgery trauma
- Current eyelid conditions, such as inflammation or drooping
An oculoplastic surgeon can perform a detailed eye exam to determine the cause of your dry eyes. Once the cause is determined, a customized treatment plan is curated based on your unique needs.
Dry Eye Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
If you have dry eye symptoms, contact the team at Revive Eye and Face today to schedule a consultation!
