Are your eyes feeling especially tired and dry during these winter months? Winter not only brings frigid temperatures and shorter days, it also brings low humidity outside and dry indoor heating which can exacerbate dry eye disease and symptoms. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from dry eye disease and many are undiagnosed and unaware of all the treatment options. As doctors of optometry, our goals are to help those suffering from dry eye disease and provide the best treatment plan for their condition.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a condition caused by chronic, inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface. Tears nourish the front surface of the eye to provide healthy eye function and clear vision. If the front surface does not have consistent and good quality tear coverage, it becomes irritated and causes uncomfortable symptoms.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of dry eye disease vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include:
- Stinging or burning feeling
- Redness
- Gritty or itchy feeling
- Watery eyes
- Pain or discomfort
- Tired eyes worse at the end of the day
- Blurred vision
- Discomfort with long term reading or computer use
- Light sensitivity
Who is at Risk for Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is more common in women and can develop with aging. Other risk factors include:
- contact lens wear
- medications
- extended computer use
- medical conditions like diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vitamin A deficiency, and thyroid conditions
What is the Treatment for Dry Eye Disease?
Due to the many causes of dry eye disease, there are various treatment options available depending of the exact cause and severity of the condition. Current treatment options can include:
- prescription eye drops
- artificial tears
- eyelid hygiene treatment
- warm compresses
- eyelid cleaners
- nutritional supplements
- specialty contact lenses like scleral lenses
- punctal plugs
- oral medications
What to do if you have Dry Eye Symptoms?
Many people think their eyes are just uncomfortable because of the dry winter air or because they work on a computer all day and that they just have to cope with the symptoms. There are so many options to obtain all day comfort when suffering from dry eye! The first step is to see an eye care professional to determine the cause and severity of the disease. An individualized treatment plan will be prescribed and a follow up schedule will be given to monitor your progress.
Dry eye disease is a medical condition and should be treated properly to protect your eyes and your vision!
All of our doctors diagnose and treat dry eye disease. Contact us to schedule at any of our three practice locations for your dry eye evaluation to start your path to clear and comfortable vision.
Written by Dr. Stacy Carpenter
All About Vision. http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm
American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/winter-dry-eye?refer=rss
Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
National Eye Institute. https://nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye
Review of Optometry. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/ce/a-comprehensive-look-at-dry-eye-therapy
Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is designed for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. You should see a medical professional before starting treatment for any medical condition.
Robert J. Morrison, the beloved founder of our optometry practice, passed away January 7, 2015 at his home in Longboat Key, FL at the age of 90. Aside from attracting public figures and celebrity patients to his office for his expertise in contact lens fittings, he will be remembered for being a pioneer in contact lens design, for his love of tennis, and especially for his love of his patients.
We have gotten word that several of the contact lens companies are going to or have already gone to universal/unilateral pricing. This simply means that all retailers must sell contact lenses for a predetermined price, set by the manufacturer. No need to go to the Big Box stores any longer! We are always happy to order your contact lenses for you, which can be direct shipped to your home, if you like.
Our Harrisburg office is getting a new look! The Morrison Eye Associates Harrisburg location began a renovation to convert its traditional flat-top roof into a more flood-friendly peaked roof on Monday. While the iconic look of the ‘Burg’s flat roof will be missed by many (the building is over 60 years old and has developed a character within the community all of its own), the risk of water damage could no longer be ignored. Severe weather over the last two years has prompted our owners to take a proactive approach to preserving the beloved ‘Burg building. If you see anyone from our roofing contractor up on the peaked roof in the coming weeks, let them know what a great job they are doing!
The Morrison Eye Associates’ Harrisburg parking lot was the place to be this past weekend! On Saturday, the site was turned into ground zero for the annual Back Yard Bash, an event benefiting local Harrisburg-based charities that has raised over $260,000 since it was established in 1994. The event featured live music from the revered bands SMOOTH LIKE CLYDE and VINYL GROOV as well as music from DJ Ray Rossi. Food and drinks from local vendors were also offered for a respectable donation/cover charge. We salute our awesome neighbor Jan Prosseda and the Back Yard Bash committee! We would like to thank all of the office staff and customers for supporting a great cause and having a great time doing it. We look forward to being an active co-sponsor again next year!