CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RF AND IPL

Are you tired of dealing with the pain, discomfort, and blurry vision from dry eye?   Dry Eye Syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.   It is a disruption in the homeostasis of the tear film that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough of the tears that moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes,  or when the tears evaporate too quickly off your eyes . Such complications can reduce quality of vision and quality of life.

 

How do I know if I have Dry Eyes?

If you experience any of the signs and or symptoms below, there is a good chance you have dry eyes. 

  • A stinging, burning or contact lens/eyelash sensation in your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Difficulty wearing contacts
  • Tired eyes and blurry vision
  • Blinking clears up the vision momentarily
  • Eye pain

 

What causes my dry eyes?

Decreased Tear Production

  • Aging – majority are over 50
  • Gender – higher prevalence in females due to hormonal changes
  • Certain medical conditions – autoimmune disorders, such as rosacea
  • Certain medications – antihistamines, decongestants, and medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acne, birth control and Parkinson’s disease
  • Previous nerve damage caused by contact lens wear or laser eye surgery.

 

Increased Tear Evaporation

  • Oil glands are not functioning properly (meibomian gland dysfunction)
  • Blinking less often – commonly caused by computer work
  • Eyelid problems
  • Eye allergies
  • Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, dust, or dry air

 

What's Next?

Dry eye can be a frustrating condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life.  At Eyes on Lake Stevens, we like to be proactive and believe it is important to address the underlying causes early before they get worse without treatment.  If left untreated, it can result in a cycle of inflammation that  leads to progressive gland loss, increasing the risk of eye infections and causing damage to the surface of the cornea. 

 

What can help me?

As each person’s dry eye cause varies, so will the treatment approach. There are different levels of intervention in treating dry eyes, as well as things we can do in our environment to help prevent it. From home therapies to in-office procedures, we can help tailor the treatment for the cause of your dry eyes to gain better quality of vision and better eye comfort.

 

Artificial Tears

For mild cases of dry eyes, the first line treatment is usually directed to the use of  artificial tears.  Non-preservative artificial tears are the gentlest on the eye. These over-the-counter eye drops act as a lubricant to help keep the eyes moist.  Thicker eyedrops, such as gels and ointments, can be used for more moderate to severe cases.

 

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Hydration – drinking plenty of fluids to maintain overall hydration and tear production.
  • Screen Breaks – staring at screens can reduce the blink rate from approximately 15 blinks/min down to 5 blinks/minute.  This can cause eye strain and increase tear film evaporation.
  • Sunglasses – this protects the eye from wind and environmental irritants.
  • Avoid Irritants – limiting exposure to smoke, wind, and air conditioning to help reduce dryness.

 

Home Remedies

  • Warm Compresses –  applying heat to the eyelids can keep the oils in the meibomian glands liquified so it doesn’t clog up.  Ideal temperatures need to reach 41-42 degrees for the inner eyelids.
  • Eyelid Scrubs – gentle cleansing can help remove debris and bacteria to improve oil production.
  • Blink more often, especially while focusing on screens or any activity.
  • Moisture goggles – night protection to create a more humid environment around the eyes to minimize tear evaporation and improve tear film stability for people with  severe dry eye symptoms.

 

In-office Treatments

  • Punctal Plugs – tiny plugs are gently inserted into the puncta (the tiny holes in the corners of the eye near the nose) to prevent tears from draining out. This allows for the tears to remain on the eyes longer for lubrication.
  • Envision by INMODE:  Radio Frequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments  are non-invasive therapies that address the underlying causes of dry eye, particularly Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
    • RF therapy gently heats the tissue around the eyes, stimulating collagen production and increasing blood flow. This process helps liquefy the oils within the meibomian glands, allowing for improved tear stability and symptom relief.  It also helps reduce the fine lines and wrinkles around the eye.
    • IPL delivers controlled pulses of light to reduce inflammation and unblock the meibomian glands. This light energy penetrates the skin around the eye area, reducing inflammatory mediators and melting away blockages within the glands.

 

Dry Eye Management

At Eyes on Lake Stevens, we understand how your eye health and vision can affect your quality of life.

Eyes on Lake Stevens

Contact Info

info.eyesonlakestevens@gmail.com
Phone:  (425) 367-6437

Fax:  (425) 367-6438

9210 24th St SE, Lake Stevens,

WA 98258

We are located inside

Lake Stevens Costco

 

Clinic Hours:

Mon:  9-5:30pm

Tues:  9-5:30pm

Wed:  9-5:30pm

Thurs:  9-5:30pm

Fri:  9-5:30pm

Sat:  9-5pm

Sun: CLOSED