Dry Eye FAQ

At Overlake Eyecare, P.S. in Bellevue, we get asked about dry eyes. Below are several answers to frequently asked questions about dry eye.

What Are The Causes of Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when there is a reduction in tear production, tear evaporation, and an imbalance in the three layers of the tear film. Medical conditions, age, tear gland damage, and special medications are often the reasons for a decrease in tear production. Problems with tear evaporation are a result of weather and eyelid problems. Since the tear film is made of three layers, which are oil, mucus, and water, it is not unlikely for the oil film to become clogged, causing dry eye.

What Are The Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Symptoms of dry eyes are burning or itching eyes, mucus in the eyes, red eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, difficulty of nighttime driving, and blurry vision.

How Do You Diagnosis Dry Eye?

Our eye doctors in Bellevue will take a history of your health and give you an eye exam. Your tear production will also be measured using a particular test that puts a special paper under the lids to blot the tears. After a few minutes, we will measure the results. Using eye drops, we will examine the quality of your tears and how long it takes them to evaporate as well. When our eye doctors make a diagnosis, we will determine the best treatment.

What Treatments Are Used for Dry Eye?

A few treatments that we offer at our practice are listed below.

Mibo Thermoflow is a heat therapy for dry eyes that is applied to the outside of the eye. It is used to treat eye ducts that do not produce enough oil to protect the eyes. This is a moderately invasive procedure.

Problems with oil production in the eyes are related to blinking. Our eye doctors will teach patients blinking exercises to help to correct this problem.

We have specialty lenses for dry eyes that help keep your eyes moist. This treatment is helpful for many contact wearers with dry eye.

Contact Our Dry Eye Center in Bellevue

Contact Overtake Eyecare, P.S. by calling 425-643-2020 or filling out our online form to make an appointment with our expert eye doctors. We offer many specialized treatments for dry eyes.