I sometimes feel like there's something in my eye... but there's nothing in my eye
As discussed in other mEYEspa blogs (see: Dry Eye Basics and My Eyes Water Constantly! ), Dry Eye Disease is a poorly named condition. Although possible, it is not often that a patient would have low tear volume like the name implies. Dry eyes generally do not present like the Sahara desert.
It is far more common that the chemistry of one's tears is disrupted. This can be due to a plethora of factors such as: environmental stressors or sensitivities, screen time, lid issues, age, medications, systemic conditions. Your Optometrist can help you navigate!
Most folks show up at clinic when they have an acute dry eye inflammatory event and increased pain.
The diagnosis of dry eye is often made by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist by case history and discussion alone but this image represents what an Eye Care Professional would see to confirm a diagnosis of 'Dry Eye'.
There has been yellow stain put in this eye and the diffuse speckled pattern indicates unhappy and inflamed corneal surface tissue. The pattern and location of the staining can help determine the root cause of the dry eye condition.
Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Your eye professional will take a tiered approach to the treatment of your dry eye issues depending upon severity, underlying causes, age, cost considerations, geography, seasonality etc. but basically treatment goals are:
Job 1 is to identify the most likely cause of the dry eye and remove/treat this if possible. e.g. treat eye lid inflammation or limit use of oral antihistamines or educate on screen time
Job 2 is to decide the severity of the condition and restore the cornea from acute issues. i.e. Does this need anti-inflammatory treatment (topical steroid eye drops)?
Job 3 is to create a plan to address chronic nature of dry eye so that it is less likely to flare-up again e.g. Restasis, ongoing non-preserved lubrication eye drops, warm compresses, Omega 3 supplements, IPL therapy
Products commonly used in Tier one - simple dry eye treatment
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Away from corporate influences and their churn, I believe in time and an unhurried environment. At mEYEspa and my clinic, we are UNcorporate Optometry. I have special interest in occupational vision needs, concussive injury to the visual system and dry eye management. I am the owner of mEYEspa and a dedicated to the delivery of relevant information and clinic-tested eye care products. -Doctor of Optometry - University of Waterloo 1994 -Honors Bachelor of Science – Waterloo 1994 -Registered Ontario College of Optometrists -Member of Ontario Association of Optometrists -Member of Canadian Association of Optometrists -10 year straight winner of 3 Best Rated Optometrists London ON
