Have you ever noticed that your eyes get dry, itchy, and watery at times? You may be dealing with a common issue known as dry eye. Common causes of dry eye include too much screen time, contact lens wear, and certain medications. If you’re experiencing chronic or severe dry eye, it’s important to visit a professional who can accurately diagnose this condition and recommend the best treatment. Keep reading to learn about how dry eye is diagnosed and what treatment options are available.
Symptoms evaluation
When you go see an eye doctor in Tampa for dry eye issues, they will start by asking about your symptoms. Common symptoms of dry eye include redness, irritation, itching, burning, a gritty sensation, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. By sharing details about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them, your eye doctor can figure out what might be causing your dry eyes.
Meibography
Meibography is a cutting-edge imaging technology our eye doctor uses to take a closer look at your meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tear film that helps keep your eyes lubricated. With meibography, our optometrist can get a clear picture of the health and function of these glands, helping him to accurately diagnose dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
During the imaging procedure, you’ll place your chin on a rest while a special camera captures high-resolution images of your meibomian glands. This process is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it an easy and comfortable way to gather important information about your eye health.
Dry eye treatment
Once dry eye has been diagnosed, Dr. Patel offers a variety of dry eye treatment options in Tampa to help manage and improve your symptoms. One of the treatments we offer is MiBo Thermoflo, a gentle heat and massage therapy that helps unclog blocked meibomian glands and restore proper oil flow to the tear film. This treatment can provide significant relief from dry eye symptoms like redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
Another treatment option is Eterna, which uses radiofrequency to also unblock the meibomian glands. This treatment doesn’t stop at dry eye relief, but also doubles as an anti-aging solution! The light energy stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin tightness and minimizing wrinkles. Dr. Patel may also recommend scleral lenses to treat dry eyes. These special contact lenses provide more lubrication for the eyes than traditional lenses. Prescription eye drops and some simple lifestyle changes might help as well, such as using a humidifier at home or work and taking frequent breaks from screens.
Dry eyes may be a common issue, but you don’t have to live in discomfort. You can effectively manage the symptoms with the right treatment. Our dry eye specialist in Tampa is always here to help you find relief from dry eyes. If you’re tired of dealing with dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel at I-Care Optical.