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Find Relief from Dry Eyes: Advanced Solutions at Optometric Associates

Dry Eye BlogDo dry, scratchy eyes make everyday activities like reading or enjoying the sunshine a struggle? You might be experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a condition where your eyes lack the moisture they need to stay comfortable. This can lead to irritation, burning, and even blurry vision, impacting your quality of life.

At Optometric Associates, a trusted presence in New Holland for over 65 years, we understand your discomfort and offer advanced tools and personalized plans to diagnose the root cause of your dry eyes. We help you find lasting relief so you can enjoy your life comfortably.

Discover how we can help you say goodbye to dry eye struggles.

Recognizing the Signs of Dry Eyes

DES symptoms usually include the following: 

  • Dry, burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in your eyes
  • Light sensitivity, especially in bright environments
  • Blurry vision or fluctuations in vision, especially after reading or screen time
  • Excessive tearing, which can be a compensatory response to dryness
  • Redness in the whites of your eyes
  • Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
  • Eye fatigue

These symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go throughout the day.

Factors that Worsen DES

Several things can trigger or aggravate dry eyes. Some of these include:

Environmental conditions: Dry air from heaters, air conditioners, or low-humidity environments can exacerbate dryness.

Digital eye strain: Extended screen time on computers, phones, and tablets can contribute to dry eyes.

Age: Our natural tear production decreases as we age, making us more susceptible to dryness.

Certain medications: Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect.

Medical conditions: Dry eye syndrome can be associated with underlying health conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Finding Comfort and Relief in New Holland

Optometric Associates offers a comprehensive approach to dry eye management, combining advanced technology with patient-centered care. Here are some solutions we explore:

Artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief and be used frequently throughout the day.

Eyelid hygiene: Maintaining clean eyelids helps remove debris and improve tear quality. We can guide you on proper eyelid hygiene practices.

Punctal plugs: These small inserts in the tear ducts can help conserve natural tears for longer eye lubrication.

Nutritional Guidance: We may recommend dietary changes rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to tear film health.

Environmental Modifications: We'll advise on lifestyle changes such as:

  • Wearing protective sunglasses outdoors.
  • Avoiding strong air currents from fans, air conditioners, and hair dryers.
  • Using a humidifier to increase air moisture.
  • Limiting screen time and taking frequent breaks.
  • Apply warm compresses to soothe your eyes.

Oculus & Meibography: Revealing Dry Eye Causes

We use advanced technology to assess the root cause of your dry eyes. The Oculus Keratograph is a sophisticated instrument that provides detailed information about the health and function of your cornea, which is the front surface of your eye. This includes evaluating tear film quality, breakup time, and corneal topography (shape).

Another valuable tool is meibography. This specialized imaging technique allows us to visualize the meibomian glands in your eyelids. These glands produce essential oils that keep your tears stable and prevent evaporation. Meibography helps us identify blockages or dysfunction in the meibomian glands, a major contributor to dry eye syndrome in many cases.

Rejuvenating Dry Eyes with LipiFlow: A Leading MGD Treatment

If your dry eyes are primarily caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), Optometric Associates provides LipiFlow, a top solution for restoring healthy tear function.

LipiFlow utilizes gentle heat and controlled pressure to melt and express clogged oils within the meibomian glands. This treatment is performed in a comfortable setting and can significantly improve tear quality and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

If you or someone you know experiences dry eye symptoms, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. With over 65 years of serving the New Holland community, we're dedicated to exceptional eye care and your lasting comfort.

The Eye Care Connection, Inc. is now part of Optometric Associates!
We will be taking care of all patients from The Eye Care Connection, Inc.  at our office, including all specialty contact lens patients.

If you were a previous patient of Dr Gogola, please click here for further information including a letter from Dr. Gogola. 

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