Dry Eye Treatment In Richmond, TX | Frame & Focus Eye Care

Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including irritation, redness, and a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

There are several potential causes of dry eye, including:

Aging: As you get older, your tear production naturally decreases, making you more susceptible to dry eye.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to dry eyes.
Certain medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medication can reduce tear production.
Environmental factors: Factors like dry air, wind, and prolonged screen time can all accelerate tear evaporation and lead to dry eyes.
Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can also cause dry eye.
Eyelid Problems: Issues with eyelid anatomy, overgrowth of demodex, blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, can disrupt the production or quality of tears.

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including:

Redness and irritation in the eyes
A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
Sensitivity to light or wind
Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Excessive tearing
Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek treatment.

Risks of Untreated Dry Eye

Persistent dryness can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and an increased risk of eye infections due to the lack of adequate lubrication and protective tear film. Over time, chronic dry eye may result in damage to the corneal surface, potentially leading to corneal ulcers or scars that can permanently impair vision.

Additionally, the constant discomfort and potential visual disturbances can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Timely diagnosis and early management are crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes and maintain optimal eye health.

Diagnosis for a Personalized Treatment Plan

At Frame & Focus Eye Care, we start with a thorough eye examination to understand the severity and underlying causes of your dry eye condition. This includes assessing tear production, the quality of your tears, and health of your cornea and eyelids. This individualized approach is crucial, as different types of dry eye may require different and multiple treatment strategies. By tailoring the treatment to your specific needs, Dr. Zaver can help you find lasting relief from your dry eye symptoms and prevent further complications.

Our Comprehensive Dry Eye Treatments

Once your dry eye has been properly diagnosed, Dr. Zaver will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. This may include a combination of the following therapies:

Artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops and lubricants can provide temporary relief by supplementing your natural tears.

Prescription eye drops: Dr. Zaver may prescribe medicated eye drops, such as anti-inflammatory medications or medication that increase tear production.

Lid hygiene: Warm compresses, lid scrubs, and other techniques can help improve the health of your eyelids and improve meibomian gland function.

Nutritional supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements may help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality.

Scleral contact lenses: These large, gas-permeable lenses create a protective fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye, helping to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Amniotic Membranes: A biological bandage that regenerates, heals, and replaces damaged corneal tissue.

In-Office Treatments

Our in-office treatment plans are designed to address the root cause of your dry eyes. These include the following treatments:

TearCare: an innovative dry eye treatment designed to target Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The system uses flexible, adhesive devices called SmartLids, which gently conform to the shape of the eyelids and deliver localized heat to the Meibomian glands. This heat helps to soften and melt the thickened oils (meibum) that block the glands, improving oil flow into the tear film and restoring moisture to the eyes. TearCare offers a comfortable, effective treatment for patients with MGD-related dry eye, helping to alleviate symptoms like irritation, redness, and blurry vision.

Zest: an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement procedure that uses a natural okra-based gel. It is designed to address dry eye symptoms by killing demodex mites, removing biofilm, debris, and excess oils from the eyelids and lashes. These accumulations can contribute to inflammation and exacerbate dry eye conditions. Zest works by exfoliating the eyelid margins and clearing the blocked meibomian glands. By debriding the eyelids, the meibomian glands have improved oil flow which helps create a better quality tear film. Zest helps stabilize the tear film, reduce discomfort, reduce inflammation of the eyelids, and enhance overall eye health. The treatment is quick, painless, non-invasive, and can provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms with minimal downtime. Regular Zest treatment as part of a comprehensive dry eye management plan can significantly improve patient comfort, eye health and function.

Amniotic Membrane: Amniotic membrane is increasingly used in dry eye treatment due to its healing properties. This membrane is rich in growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and natural healing agents, making it an effective option for patients suffering from chronic dry eye. When placed on the eye, either as a graft or in a contact lens-like form, the amniotic membrane promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and enhances the repair of damaged corneal cells. This helps to restore the eye's surface, providing significant relief from the discomfort and symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

The specific treatment plan that's right for you will depend on the underlying cause of your dry eye and the severity of your symptoms.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Frame & Focus Eye Care Today

At Frame & Focus Eye Care, we understand the significant impact that dry eye can have on your quality of life. Dr. Zaver will work closely with you throughout the entire process, from the initial evaluation to the implementation of your treatment plan, to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you're struggling with dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zaver at Frame & Focus Eye Care. We are dedicated to helping you find the relief you need and improve your overall eye health. Contact us today to discover the right dry eye treatment for your individual needs.

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