From Grittiness to Comfort: Our Dry Eye Solutions
Our vision clinic is the go-to destination for expert dry eye treatment in Bellevue, Washington.
Using a variety of simple and advanced strategies, we tailor our methods to meet your specific needs, effectively relieving dry eyes and eliminating accompanying discomfort like grittiness.
The Complexities of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, affects a significant portion of the population. This eye condition is triggered by an insufficient quality and quantity of tears, resulting in symptoms like irritation, redness, blurred vision, and either excessive tear production or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
The primary culprit behind many dry eye cases is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the glands responsible for secreting oils that stabilize the tear film become blocked or dysfunctional. Other causes of dry eye include:
- Environmental Factors: Dry, windy, or smoke-filled environments can exacerbate dry eye symptoms
- Screen Use: Prolonged use of digital devices leads to reduced blinking rates, which can contribute to dry eye
- Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases
- Contact Lens Wear: Long-term use of contact lenses can irritate the eye and contribute to dry eye symptoms
- Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can affect tear production, leading to dry eye
- Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, particularly during menopause, pregnancy, or caused by contraceptives, can impact tear quality
How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
A key component in diagnosing dry eye syndrome is assessing the quality and stability of the tear film, which protects and lubricates the eyes. The Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test is the most effective way to evaluate this crucial aspect of eye health.
What is TBUT?
The TBUT test is a simple yet essential diagnostic tool used to evaluate the stability of the tear film on the surface of the eye. It measures how long it takes for dry spots to appear on the cornea after a blink, indicating the tear film's evaporation rate.
How is TBUT Performed?
- Dye Application: A non-irritating dye, such as fluorescein, is applied to the eye to temporarily stain the tear film
- Observation: The patient blinks a few times to distribute the dye evenly across the eye’s surface
- Measurement: After the final blink, one of our eye doctors observes the eye through a slit lamp microscope equipped with a blue light. They then measure the time it takes for the first dry spot to appear on the cornea
A normal TBUT is 10 seconds or more, indicating a stable tear film that adequately protects the eye. On the other hand, a TBUT of less than 10 seconds suggests that the tear film evaporates too quickly. The shorter the TBUT, the more severe the dry eye condition may be.
Relieving Dry Eyes with Treatment
Our Bellevue vision clinic offers a myriad of treatment options for dry eyes, including:
- Artificial Tears/Lubricant Eye Drops: Over-the-counter solutions to supplement natural tear production
- Prescription Eye Drops: These can stimulate natural tear production or reduce inflammation in cases where OTC drops are insufficient
- Eyelid Treatments: Includes hot compress masks, eyelid scrubs, and antibiotic ointments to address eyelid inflammation
- Punctal Plugs: Small plugs inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and keep eyes moist
- Medication Adjustments: We might discontinue or switch medications that contribute to DED
- Contact Lens Management: Limiting use and switching brands or types to reduce dehydration
Proactive Steps for Preventing Dry Eye
As cliche as the saying might be, prevention is better than cure. Here’s everything you need to know about reducing your chances of experiencing dry eye syndrome:
- Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain hydration
- Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids to improve tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms
- Take regular breaks when using digital devices to encourage blinking
- Quitting smoking can significantly improve eye comfort
- Using a humidifier in dry environments can help maintain moisture levels in the air, reducing tear evaporation
- Sunglasses or protective glasses can shield your eyes from harsh winds and dry environments
- Position computer screens slightly below eye level to slow tear evaporation
- Simple eye exercises can improve circulation and reduce symptoms of dry eyes. This includes gently massaging the eyelids to stimulate the meibomian glands
Routine check-ups can help identify and address early signs of dry eye before symptoms worsen. Ensure you request eye exams annually to keep on top of your eye health.