Finally Lasting Relief From Dry and Uncomfortable Eyes
Even without knowing the term “dry eye” or “Dry Eye Syndrome“, if you suffer from it, then you are all too familiar with the soreness, discomfort, and even the constant misery that can come with dry eyes.
Fortunately, there is a Dry Eye Specialist seeking to bring relief and healing from Dry Eyes in its many forms to patients from Lewis Center, Westerville & Johnstown. Our doctors at the helm, the Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care specializes in treating the entire range of Dry Eye Syndrome, from mild to severe. Whether it’s an occasional irritant or a debilitating daily problem, we’re here to help, with years of experience specializing in treating dry eyes.
The Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care uses the most advanced diagnostic equipment and tools to quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause and type of dry eye problem you’re suffering from. We don’t just throw any old drops at you either. We provide custom, tailored treatment plans designed to maximize the relief of your dry eye symptoms AND treat the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Finally Lasting Relief From Dry and Uncomfortable Eyes
Even without knowing the term “dry eye” or “Dry Eye Syndrome“, if you suffer from it, then you are all too familiar with the soreness, discomfort, and even the constant misery that can come with dry eyes.
Fortunately, there is a Dry Eye Specialist seeking to bring relief and healing from Dry Eyes in its many forms to patients from Lewis Center, Westerville & Johnstown. Our doctors at the helm, the Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care specializes in treating the entire range of Dry Eye Syndrome, from mild to severe. Whether it’s an occasional irritant or a debilitating daily problem, we’re here to help, with years of experience specializing in treating dry eyes.
The Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care uses the most advanced diagnostic equipment and tools to quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause and type of dry eye problem you’re suffering from. We don’t just throw any old drops at you either. We provide custom, tailored treatment plans designed to maximize the relief of your dry eye symptoms AND treat the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Even without knowing the term “dry eye” or “Dry Eye Syndrome“, if you suffer from it, then you are all too familiar with the soreness, discomfort, and sometimes even the constant misery that can come with dry eyes.
Fortunately, there is a Dry Eye Specialist seeking to bring relief and healing from Dry Eyes in its many forms to patients from the state of Ohio. Our doctors at the helm, the Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care specializes in treating the gamut of dry eyes. Whether it’s an occasional irritant or a debilitating daily problem, we’re here to help, with years of experience specializing in treating dry eyes.
The Dry Eye Center At Professional Vision Care uses the most advanced diagnostic equipment and tools to quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause and type of dry eye problem you’re suffering from. We don’t just throw any old drops at you either. We provide custom, tailored treatment plans designed to maximize the relief of your dry eye symptoms AND treat the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Dry Eye Syndrome can range from a mild irritant to chronic problem. The symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome may include:
- Dry, irritated, or red eyes
- Excessive tearing/watery eyes
- Inflammation
- Sore or sensitive eyes
- Itchiness
- Burning or inflammation
- A gritty or pasty feeling in the eyelids
- Crusty or gunky eyes
- Blurriness
Dry Eye Syndrome can range from a mild irritant to chronic problem. The symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome may include:
-
- Dry, irritated, or red eyes
- Excessive tearing/watery eyes
- Inflammation
- Sore or sensitive eyes
- Itchiness
- Burning or inflammation
- A gritty or pasty feeling in the eyelids
- Crusty or gunky eyes
- Blurriness
Dry eyes, or, Dry Eye Syndrome, is a complex condition that can have multiple causes but tends to share common symptoms. Our optometrists use the latest technology to assess the cause of your dry eye symptoms, in order to provide the best possible care.
For tears to effectively moisturize and lubricate your eyes, they need to have right balance of:
- Water
- Lipids ―oils produced by the meibomian glands
- Mucus
The water provides moisture and keeps the eyes clean while simultaneously delivering oxygen to the tissue of the eyes.
The lipids (oils) produced by the meibomian glands provide essential lubrication and control the rate at which the water of tears evaporates. The time it takes for the tear film to evaporate is referred to as the tear-film break-up time.
The mucus in tears helps to keep the tear-film evenly distributed and stable.
When someone is suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, one or more of these factors is off and your eyes suffer for it. In 85% of cases, Meibomian Gland Disorder is responsible for dry eye syndrome.
Our eyes have glands which produce the lipids (fatty oils) essential for proper lubrication. These are referred to as the meibomian glands. The blockage or dysfunction of these glands causes a condition known as Meibomian Gland Disorder. This condition is responsible for roughly 85% of all instances of Dry Eye Syndrome.
Blepharitis is related to Dry Eye Syndrome and is often a contributing cause or a parallel condition. It involves inflamed eyelids, particularly where the eyelashes grow. Blepharitis is usually caused by bacterial infections or other skin problems resulting in similar symptoms to dry eye syndrome in general.
A low supply of tears is a less common cause of Dry Eye Syndrome. This can be caused by a number of factors such as medication and certain health conditions, resulting in Dry eyes.
As we age, we experience hormonal changes. These changes are known to cause or contribute to dry eyes. While this is true of both men and women, it seems that women over 50 are particularly more prone to developing dry eye symptoms. Pregnancy is also known to contribute to or exacerbate dry eye syndrome.
By increasing the rate at which our tears evaporate, the following environmental factors are known to play a huge role in causing or contributing to dry eyes:
- Smoke
- Allergens
- Pollution
- Cold-climate and central heating
- Dry climate
- Sandy or dusty conditions
- Altitude
Poor cleaning habits, not changing the contact often enough, and sleeping in contact lenses can all contribute to dry eyes. However, even for those who take proper care with their contacts, they can still be a contributing cause of dry eyes. In fact, one of the main reasons people discontinue contact lens usage is due to dry eyes. The good news is there have been major improvements across all the brands with special contacts that are aimed at preventing dry eye symptoms.
Various diseases contribute to, or even cause, dry eyes. Autoimmune diseases are a known factor. Rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome – a common symptom that rheumatologists treat can also contribute to dry eyes. Diabetics or those with Glaucoma that requires medication are also more likely to have dry eye syndrome.
As with everything, proper balanced diet and exercise are important in preventing or managing dry eye syndrome. There are two specific activities that relate directly to Dry Eyes.
Does Staring At A Screen Cause Dry Eye?
Continuous staring at a fixed object, such as a phone or computer screen, usually results in a decreased blink rate. The lack of blinking actually causes the eyes not to replenish the tears often enough. The meibomian glands, therefore, can become blocked or even atrophy and die.
Prolonged And Continuous Use Of Digital Devices Is Thought To Be The Likely Culprit In The Significant Increase Of Dry Eye Syndrome Throughout The General Population.
Does Drinking More Water Help With Dry Eye?
The main component of tears is water. Most of us don’t drink enough water. If you are dehydrated or not drinking enough, then you may not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. Snapple, Coke and other caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea may feel like they quench your thirst, but they actually dehydrate the body. Your body needs water to prevent dry eyes symptoms.
Whether prescription or over-the-counter, certain medications are known to decrease tear production or otherwise contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome. These include:
- Beta-blockers / blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- AntiDepressants
- Oral Contraceptives
As we age, we experience hormonal changes. These changes are known to cause or contribute to dry eyes. While this is true of both men and women, it seems that women over 50 are particularly more prone to developing dry eye symptoms. Pregnancy is also known to contribute to or exacerbate dry eye syndrome.
By increasing the rate at which our tears evaporate, the following environmental factors are known to play a huge role in causing or contributing to dry eyes:
- Smoke
- Pollution
- Cold-climate and central heating
- Dry climate
- Sandy or dusty conditions
- Altitude
Poor cleaning habits, not changing the contact often enough, and sleeping in contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes. However, even for those who take proper care with their contacts, they can still be a contributing cause of dry eyes. In fact, one of the main reasons people discontinue contact lens usage is due to dry eyes. The good news is there have been major improvements across all the brands with special contacts that are aimed at preventing dry eye symptoms.
Various diseases contribute to, or even cause, dry eyes. Autoimmune diseases are a known factor. Rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome – a common symptom that rheumatologists treat can also contribute to dry eyes. Diabetics or those with Glaucoma that requires medication are also more likely to have dry eye syndrome.
As with everything, proper balanced diet and exercise are important in preventing or managing dry eye syndrome. There are two specific activities that relate directly to Dry Eyes.
Does Staring At A Screen Cause Dry Eye?
Continuous staring at a fixed object, such as a phone or computer screen, usually results in a decreased blink rate. The lack of blinking actually causes the eyes not to replenish the tears often enough. The meibomian glands, therefore, can become blocked or even atrophy and die.
Prolonged And Continuous Use Of Digital Devices Is Thought To Be The Likely Culprit In The Significant Increase Of Dry Eye Syndrome Throughout The General Population.
Does Drinking More Water Help With Dry Eye?
The main component of tears is water. Most of us don’t drink enough water. If you are dehydrated or not drinking enough, then you may not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. Snapple, Coke and other caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea may feel like they quench your thirst, but they actually dehydrate the body. Your body needs water to prevent dry eyes symptoms.
Whether prescription or over-the-counter, certain medications are known to decrease tear productions, or otherwise, contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome. These include:
- Beta-blockers / blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- AntiDepressants
- Oral Contraceptives
How Can I Improve My Lifestyle To Prevent And Treat Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are many ways to treat dry eye. The first recommendation is to prevent dry eye symptoms before they start, and to address lifestyle factors that may be making it worse.
Blink a lot and drink a lot. Avoid eye irritants, use lubricating eye drops if you are taking medication that puts you at risk for dry eye. Over the counter eye drops for dry eye are widely available. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a focus on vitamins like Omega 3.
One of the most common treatments we recommend is simple. Just BLINK! Blink regularly. Good, hard, fully closed blinks help restore the tear film.
The 20-20-20 Rule! During prolonged computer or digital device use, take 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, to look at an object at a distance of at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a needed rest.
Drink adequately. Women need at least 91 oz. of water a day. Men need even more. Poor intake of water directly contributes to a poor supply of tears, especially in hot and dry conditions.
A healthy diet is always essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega 3 fatty acids have been conclusively shown to help maintain good vision and eye health, as well as decrease dry eyes symptoms.
Fish and flax are good natural sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, also available in tablet/supplement form. There are even formulations specific for dry eyes. These usually consist of Omega 3 with DHA from flaxseed oil and includes vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B6, magnesium, and a variety of other vitamins specifically geared toward patients with dry eyes. Our Dry Eye doctor can recommend one or more of these for your specific needs.
How Can I Improve My Lifestyle To Prevent And Treat Dry Eye Syndrome?
The first recommendation is to prevent dry eye symptoms before they start, and to address lifestyle factors that may be making it worse.
Blink a lot and drink a lot. Avoid eye irritants, use lubricating eye drops if you are taking medication that puts you at risk for dry eye. Over the counter eye drops for dry eye are widely available. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a focus on vitamins like Omega 3.
One of the most common treatments we recommend is simple. Just BLINK! Blink regularly. Good, hard, fully closed blinks help restore the tear film.
The 20-20-20 Rule! During prolonged computer or digital device use, take 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, to look at an object at a distance of at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a needed rest.
Drink adequately. Women need at least 91 oz. of water a day. Men need even more. Poor intake of water directly contributes to a poor supply of tears, especially in hot and dry conditions.
A healthy diet is always essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega 3 fatty acids have been conclusively shown to help maintain good vision and eye health, as well as decrease dry eyes symptoms.
Fish and flax are good natural sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, also available in tablet/supplement form. There are even formulations specific for dry eyes. These usually consist of Omega 3 with DHA from flaxseed oil and includes vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B6, magnesium, and a variety of other vitamins specifically geared toward patients with dry eyes. Our Dry Eye doctor can recommend one or more of these for your specific needs.
Our Dry Eye Specialist in Ohio provides cutting-edge treatment for dry eyes that's fully tailored to your specific situation. We diagnose and assess your eyes using the latest technology combined with good old-fashioned visual exams, questions, and all-around great patient care that will get to the core because of your condition. For example:
- How effectively are you blinking? How often?
- Are your tear ducts lined up properly?
- What’s the osmolarity of your tears?
- How fast do your tears break down?
- What is your tear volume?
- Do your tear ducts line up properly?
- What shape are your meibomian glands in? Are they blocked? Dirty? Infected?
Our dry eye doctor will also conduct an in-depth assessment of indicators for other diseases and health problems which might be contributing factors to your dry eyes. We then develop a personalized treatment plan based on what we find, and ongoing based on what's working for you.
On every patient questionnaire, we ask if you are suffering from any of the typical symptoms of dry eyes. Do your eyes feel gritty? Sore? Do you feel like something is in your eye or that you just don't seem to have any tears? If you report symptoms of dry eye, or appear to exhibit those symptoms, then we recommend beginning the dry eye exam process, which is quick, easy, and painless.