Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye Treatment

Dry, irritated eyes can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer uncomfortable. At iCare Optometry, Dr. Scott Kawakami and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye to help you find lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, leading to inflammation and discomfort. There are two primary types of dry eye:

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: When the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears.

• Evaporative Dry Eye: When tears evaporate too quickly due to poor-quality oil production by the meibomian glands.

Some individuals may experience a combination of both, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye, including aging (especially after age 50), hormonal changes (particularly in women), prolonged screen time without sufficient blinking, and environmental conditions such as wind, smoke, or dry air. Other common causes include contact lens wear, certain medications like antihistamines or antidepressants, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction (which affects the quality of the tear film), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), and eye allergies. Understanding the underlying cause of your dry eye is critical to developing an effective, targeted treatment plan.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary in intensity but often include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation

• Redness

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light

• A feeling of something in the eye

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Excessive tearing

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care to prevent potential damage to your cornea.

The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis

At iCare Optometry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing dry eye. Dr. Kawakami utilizes diagnostic tools to assess the volume and quality of your tears, evaluate the health of your tear-producing glands, and identify any underlying inflammatory conditions. By pinpointing the specific cause of your symptoms, we can tailor a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs for more effective and lasting relief.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms, Dr. Kawakami may recommend a combination of the following options:

• Eyelid Hygiene Products: Specialized scrubs and wipes help reduce inflammation and clear blocked glands, especially important for patients with blepharitis.
  
  

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops provide temporary relief by supplementing your natural tears.
  
  

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications can help reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production.
  
  

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation.
  
  

• Finding the Right Contact Lenses: Daily disposable or specialty lenses can protect the eye's surface and maintain moisture for patients who suffer from more severe dry eye symptoms.
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• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear drainage ducts to help keep tears on the eye's surface longer, improving moisture levels.

Each treatment plan is personalized to match the severity of your condition and the specific issues contributing to your dry eye.

Comprehensive Dry Eye Care in Idaho Falls, Idaho

At iCare Optometry, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for patients in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the surrounding areas who are suffering from dry eye. Dr. Kawakami takes the time to thoroughly evaluate each case and customize treatments to address the root cause of your symptoms. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term relief and restore comfort to your daily life.

If you are struggling with dry, irritated eyes, you do not have to live with the discomfort. Dr. Scott Kawakami and the team at iCare Optometry are here to provide expert care tailored to your individual needs. Schedule an appointment with us today to start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision.