Patients complaining of dry eye syndrome is one of the leading conditions Optometrist treat today. Did you know that over 30 million people in America alone suffer from dry eye syndrome? The most common problem for dry eyes is caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates one’s eyes. Here in Fairfax and Rockville we are in the epicenter of Dry eye problems.
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease that is treated with a variety of therapies. Most people can be treated simply with eye drops such as Retaine MGD, Retaine CMC or Retaine HPMC because they have the evaporative form of the disease. Other patients might need tear duct plugs. Some patients have impacted glands around the eyelids and would benefit by eyelid scrubs. Women especially are at risk. Its important they remove their makeup with an oil free product like Zoria. Some other therapies include high quality Omega 3's like Retaine Flax which soften the oils so they coat the eye better.
Many times simple changes in your lifestyles can have significant improvements. Quitting smoking or simply drinking more water can help improve the irritation that comes with dry eyes. Excessive rubbing of the eyes can worsen irritation. When reading, working on the computer or watching television try to make a conscious effort to blink more frequently. This will help keep the eye more lubricated and wet, which in return will help keep your eyes more comfortable.
If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, it is important to see an experienced Optometrist. Your doctor will determine the cause of your dry eye issues by measuring your production and the evaporation rate of your tear film. Everyone’s eyes are different and treating dry eyes is different depending on the cause. Many times patients find simple relief from simply using artificial tear drops. There are several different types of artificial tears some are watery and only relieve the symptoms for short periods of time. Others are thicker and last longer on the eye. Normally preservative free tears are optimal as they feel more soothing and have fewer additives that could cause irritation in the eye.
A new drug was recently approved to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry eye. Xiidra is the only drug approved to treat both signs and symptoms. I have started treating patients with this drop and the preliminary results are very promising.
Dr. Howard Budner & Dr. Kevin Chan treat patients with dry eye syndrome in Fairfax, Rockville,Potomac,Olney, Aspen Hill, Falls Church, Oakton,Mclean and Vienna . Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
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