Dry Eye Specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona
Your eyes produce tears by two methods. The first method produces tears at a steady and gradual rate that is responsible for normal eye lubrication. The second method produces tears in large quantities and is usually a result of emotions or eye irritation. Dry eye syndrome (DES) is essentially the lack of enough lubrication on the eye’s surface. Seeing our dry eye specialist in Scottsdale can help. Some people do not produce enough or the right quality of tears to keep their eyes lubricated and healthy. The following is a guide to everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and best treatment for dry eyes in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Best Treatment for Dry Eyes in Scottsdale, Arizona
DES is an ongoing condition that could prove difficult for dry eye treatment to cure. However, there are effective ways to manage the different symptoms successfully, including seeing our dry eye specialist. The following are the common dry eye treatment methods:
Artificial tears:
An eye doctor can treat DES by simply using eye drops, commonly referred to as artificial tears, which are quite similar to real human tears. Artificial tears lubricate your eyes and get rid of the dry, scratchy feeling. A doctor will prescribe artificial tears in order to enhance tear production in your eyes. At times, the doctor will even prescribe a steroid for immediate relief. With so many artificial tear brands on the market today, you need to seek the advice of your ophthalmologist for help determining which one is best for you.
Conserving tears:
A dry eye specialist in Scottsdale, AZ might also recommend conserving your own tears in order to keep your eyes moist. Your tears often drain through a small channel that is connected to your nose. This explains why you get a runny nose when you cry. Dry eye treatment may close this channel either temporarily or even permanently to conserve your tears. This approach helps your real tears last longer.
Lubricating ingredients:
Another treatment method a dry eye specialist will use is a lubricating ingredient that is contained in a tiny insert. This insert is usually placed inside the eyelid and ensures that your eyes are supplied with adequate lubrication throughout the day.
What Are the Causes?
There are several things that can cause DES. For example, tear production generally decreases as people age. However, even though this condition affects both men and women at any given age, it affects women the most, especially those over age 40.
The condition can also happen as a result of other issues. For example, people who have Sjogren’s syndrome can easily be affected by dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis.
Also, DES can occur as a side effect of common medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, Parkinson’s disease medications, and certain blood pressure medicines. However, since these medications are necessary for a patient’s good health, the condition is often just tolerated or treated with artificial tears.
Additionally, you can suffer from dry eyes if you live in a dry, windy, dusty place with low humidity levels.
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
Our dry eye specialist in Scottsdale, AZ, diagnoses by examining your eyes. However, if a basic examination doesn’t lend conclusive results, sometimes, the physician uses tests that measure your eyes’ tear production to draw a conclusion.
One of these tests is the Schirmer tear test. During this test, filter-paper strips are placed under your lower eyelids in order to measure the variations in tear production under different conditions.
Another method relies on a diagnostic eye drop such as fluorescein or rose bengal to determine the patterns of dryness on the surface of your eye.
Summing Up
Are you looking for quality eye care in Scottsdale, Arizona? Contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Jay Arora today. We work hard to offer the best dry eye treatment at Arora Eye.