Dry Eye Treatment

Many people suffer from dry eye symptoms. Dry eye symptoms occur when tears are of poor quality or insufficient on the surface of the eye. These symptoms can range from mild irritation to intense pain. If left untreated, dry eye can potentially lead to corneal damage and permanent vision impairment.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Risk Factors for Dry Eye

• Over 50 y/o
• Going through menopause
• Insufficient blinking due to prolonged staring at digital devices
• Prolonged use of contact lenses
• Medications such as high blood pressure medications, antihistamine, antidepressants, birth control pills
• Systemic diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, and collagen vascular disease
• Eyelids that don’t close properly or eyelid abnormalities
• Indoor AC environment or dusty environment
• Exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates
• Inflammation of eyelids (blepharitis)

Dry Eye Treatments at Rainbow Optometry

We offer the following treatments for dry eye:

• Tear supplements with high quality, preservative-free eye lubricants
• Tear conservation utilizing lacrimal punctal plugs
• Treatment of existing eyelid diseases such as blepharitis by utilizing eyelid cleanser
• Treatment of any oil glands dysfunction with heat masks and warm compresses
• Treatment of ocular inflammation with anti-inflammatory medication eye drops
• Treatment of severe dry eye with custom scleral lenses

For patients with severe dry eye, scleral lenses can be an effective and life changing option. They are large diameter gas permeable lenses that vault over the cornea. The fluid reservoir between the contact lens and the cornea keep the cornea hydrated and protected. Scleral lenses feel like bandages to sooth the eye surface for patients with severe dry eyes.

At Rainbow Optometry, we customize your dry eye treatment plan based on your specific eye conditions and risk factors.