July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, and at VisionFirst we’re excited to share the latest technology for treating dry eyes.
What are Dry Eyes?
Reports have shown that nearly half of all U.S. Adults experience dry eye symptoms at some point in life. According to a 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey, nearly 16 million people in the United States have dry eye disease, or DED. The best time to start treatment of your dry eyes is in the early stage, often before the symptoms are even recognized! If you are noticing any of the symptoms listed below, contact one of our eye care professionals for diagnosis and treatment options.
Symptoms and Causes Associated with Dry Eyes
Dry Eyes Symptoms
Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with dry eyes:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses/driving at night
- Eye redness
- A feeling of having something in your eyes
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Decreased vision
Dry Eyes Causes
Here are some of the most common causes associated with dry eyes:
- Increased Screen Time
- Antihistamine (allergy medicine) use
- Improper contact lens use
- Age-related changes
- Work conditions (overly dry air, etc.)
- Incomplete blink
- Lagophthalmos (incomplete lid closure while sleeping)
- Decrease in natural tear production from hormonal changes experienced from pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)– a blockage or abnormality in the Meibomianglands.
The Latest Treatment for Dry Eyes… Introducing iLux!
VisionFirst is excited to offer our patients the latest innovation in dry eye treatment from our iLuxinstrument. iLux is a hand-held device that applies LED-based heat which gently warms the inner and outer eye lid. The instrument stimulates the Meibomian glands, removing any blockages as a therapeutic treatment for dry eye conditions. This treatment has a more longterm effect vs artifical tears, giving immediate relief but also helping to slow down the overall disease process itself!
The best treatment option for you is dependent upon the assessment of the type and severity of your condition by one of our eye care professionals. If you’d like to learn more about our new iLux technology or any other treatment options for dry eyes, we encourage you to make an appointment with VisionFirst right away!