Dry Eye Treatment in Des Moines
Dry eyes can impact every aspect of your day, from focusing on screens to spending time outdoors. We know the frustration and discomfort that dry eye can cause, and we’re dedicated to providing effective, lasting relief.
By using specialized diagnostic tools such as the Meibographer, we can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms, enabling us to develop a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to help you return to your daily activities comfortably, free from the irritation and disruption that dry eyes can bring.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are crucial to keeping your eyes lubricated, healthy, and comfortable. Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:
Age and hormonal changes: As we age, tear production may decrease, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines and certain blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
Environmental factors: Wind, air conditioning, and dry indoor heating can all dry out your eyes.
Extended screen time: Staring at screens reduces blinking, which causes tears to evaporate faster and increases dryness.
We take the time to understand your situation, lifestyle, and symptoms to offer personalized treatment that brings you effective, long-term relief.
Diagnosing Dry Eye with the Meibographer
For an accurate diagnosis, we use the latest in dry eye technology, including the Meibographer. This advanced tool allows us to examine your meibomian glands, which line the edge of your eyelids and produce oils essential for maintaining a stable tear film. When these glands don’t function properly, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
With meibography, we can assess the health of these glands and better understand the type and cause of your dry eye. This diagnostic insight enables us to create a treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem, offering you effective and lasting relief. By tracking changes in your gland health over time, we ensure that your treatment is working and make adjustments as needed.
Dry Eye Treatment Options for Lasting Comfort
A personalized treatment plan is the most effective way to manage dry eye. Here are some treatments we offer:
Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops: Artificial tears provide additional moisture, offering relief for mild dry eye symptoms. We’ll recommend specific types of over-the-counter or prescription drops to suit your needs and ensure effective results.
Prescription Medications: For cases that require additional support, we may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, increase tear production, or stabilize the tear film, offering more targeted and lasting relief.
Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into your tear ducts to help your eyes keep natural tears. This option is especially helpful for patients with moderate to severe dry eye, as it provides extended relief and increases tear film stability.
You can adjust and combine these options based on your needs, providing a comprehensive approach to effectively managing your dry eye symptoms.
Tips for Daily Dry Eye Relief
Alongside professional treatment, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage dry eye symptoms and prevent them from worsening:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports natural tear production, which keeps your eyes hydrated.
Take Screen Breaks: Staring at screens for long periods can cause strain and dryness. Try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air, especially during winter, can worsen dryness. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, creating a more comfortable environment for your eyes.
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays, which can irritate dry eyes.
Combined with your customized treatment plan, these daily habits can significantly improve comfort and reduce the frequency and intensity of dry eye symptoms.
Why Choose Westrum Optometry?
We offer a patient-centered approach to dry eye management. Our advanced diagnostic tools, including the Meibographer, allow us to assess the underlying causes of your symptoms. By focusing on your specific needs, we create a treatment plan that brings lasting relief and supports long-term eye health.
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