Dry Eye Treatment

If your eyes often feel gritty, itchy, or tired, you may be experiencing the effects of dry eye disease. At Flower City Optometry, Dr. Lisa Chute offers personalized dry eye treatment designed to identify the cause of your discomfort and get you on the road to recovery.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of your eyes smooth, hydrated, and healthy. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms that affect your vision and comfort.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blocked oil glands in the eyelids cause tears to evaporate too quickly.

• Ocular Rosacea: Inflammation along the eyelid margins where the oil is secreted

• Incomplete Lid Closure (Lagophthalmos): the mechanics of the eyelid are critical to proper tear film distribution over the surface of the eye

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can impact tear quality.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK and Cataract Surgery may temporarily reduce tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Prolonged wear can dry out the eye’s surface.

• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies may worsen dryness.

• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome are also linked to chronic dry eye.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Watery eyes

• Feeling like something is in your eye

Identifying the Root Cause of Your Dry Eye

A proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. During a thorough examination, Dr. Chute will evaluate your tear film, check for inflammation, and assess the function of your meibomian glands. Understanding the underlying cause helps Dr. Chute design a customized treatment plan that addresses the specific reason behind your dry eye.

Treating Dry Eye

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of your symptoms. At Flower City Optometry, we offer a range of solutions, including but not limited too:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Gentle lid scrubs and warm compresses can help clear blocked glands and improve tear quality.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter or specialized lubricating drops add moisture and relieve discomfort.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications can reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy tear composition.

• Scleral Lenses: These specialized lenses protect the eye’s surface and provide lasting moisture.

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts help retain tears on the eye longer.

• Amniotic Membranes: speciality biotissue that helps restores the ocular surface

• Intense Pulsed Light and Radio Frequency: specialized light therapy that reduces inflammation while simultaneously heating the meibomian glands to help relieve blocked oil.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation with Dr. Lisa Chute

You don’t have to live with the constant irritation or blurry vision caused by dry eyes. With a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan, Dr. Chute and her team can help restore your eye comfort and improve your quality of life. It is Dr. Chutes passion and she is committed to bringing the most up-to-date treatment options to you as part of your treatment journey.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Flower City Optometry today to begin your journey to dry eye relief.