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Managing Dry Eye Disease: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options

Dec 15, 2022 | Eye Health

At Accent Vision Care in Gonzales, Louisiana, we specialize in the treatment of dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause a range of symptoms that can be uncomfortable and even painful. 

What are the symptoms of dry eye? 

Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye disease include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes, stringy mucus in or around the eyes, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a sensation of having something in the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, difficulty with nighttime driving, and watery eyes.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an optometrist for an evaluation. At Accent Vision Care, we offer dry eye disease evaluations and treatment. We will work with you to determine the cause of your dry eye disease and develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall eye health.

What increases the risk of developing dry eye? 

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing dry eye disease. 

These include advancing age, being a woman (especially after menopause), having certain medical conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome), taking certain medications (such as antihistamines or decongestants), and living in a dry or windy climate. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to be proactive in managing your eye health.

What is the treatment for dry eye? 

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for dry eye disease. 

These may include artificial tears, ointments, and other lubricating eye drops to help keep the eyes moist and comfortable. In some cases, we may recommend prescription medications or other treatments to help improve tear production or to block tear evaporation. We will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

At our Gonzales office, we offer OptiLight intense pulsed light therapy treatment for chronic dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD happens when the tiny meibomian glands in your eyelids get clogged or blocked and don’t work properly. These glands are responsible for producing an oily substance called meibum, which helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. Each OptiLight IPL session takes about 15 minutes, and patients experience reduced inflammation, healthier meibomian glands, and improved tear break-up time in as little as four sessions.

Dry eye treatment at Accent Vision Care 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of dry eye disease, don’t hesitate to contact us at Accent Vision Care in Gonzales, Louisiana. We are here to help you take care of your eyes and improve your overall eye health. With the right treatment and care, you can manage your dry eye disease and enjoy comfortable, healthy eyes.