Dry Eye Treatment | Wasilla | The Eye Guys Alaska

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects many adults. This often-chronic condition is typically a result of an imbalance in the tear film, which contains 3 main ingredients that work to keep your eye hydrated and comfortable.

If any of the 3 ingredients are out of sync, you can experience the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.

At The Eye Guys Alaska, we offer several solutions to restore comfort to your vision. Schedule an appointment at our Wasilla location or see when we’re visiting your community next.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

You may have dry eye if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Red eyes
Stinging or burning eyes
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
A scratchy/gritty feeling in the eye
Stringy eye mucus

These symptoms can point to other conditions or allergies, so it’s best to talk to your eye doctor if you experience them.

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How Does Dry Eye Develop?

A disruption to your tear film and a dry eye diagnosis can be caused by several factors, including aging, medications, clogged oil glands, bacteria, and the environment.

Age

Aging can cause dry eye because as we age our eyes naturally become dryer. Many people over 65 will experience dry eye at some point, which could be due to increased inflammation on the eye’s surface.

Medications

Some medications may reduce the number of tears you can produce and lead to dry eye, including:

Antihistamines
Decongestants
Blood pressure regulators
Antidepressants
Sleeping pills
Anti-anxiety prescriptions

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can cause dry eye. The meibomian glands in the eye make the oily outside layer of the tear film. This outer layer of the tear film assists with moisture and tear maintenance.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition where the eyelids can become red, irritated, itchy, and develop flaky scales on top of the eyelashes. Blepharitis is caused by excess bacteria or skin conditions. Dry eye is a common symptom of blepharitis.

Environmental Factors

Where you live and work can contribute to dry eye. Smoky, windy, or dry environments can impact the quality of your tears.

Other environmental factors that can lead to dry eye include reduced blink rates due to activities like extended computer use or reading.

What Should You Do If You Have Dry Eye?

Dry eye doesn’t have to get in the way of your day-to-day life. Our team offers dry eye solutions to help restore comfort to your eyes and we can refer you to a doctor for chronic dry eye treatment.

If you experience symptoms or causes of dry eye there are some simple solutions that may help. You can try over-the-counter artificial tear solutions or try taking an Omega-3 supplement to increase fatty acids.

Talk To Us About Dry Eye

We’re here to examine your eyes and discuss your dry eye options. Visit us at our practice in Wasilla or take a look at when we will be visiting your community in Alaska.

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