What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease is a common, debilitating condition that can cause eye discomfort. The condition can occur as a result of external factors, like a dry climate, allergies, or hormonal imbalances.

Your eyes are lubricated by the tear film, which is made up of 3 different layers:

The watery layer that washes away bacteria
The mucus layer that holds the structure of the tear
The oily layer that spreads the tear across the eye

If one of these layers becomes out of balance, your eyes can begin to feel uncomfortable. Your optometrist can detect if your eyes aren’t producing enough good quality tears, so it’s essential to visit them regularly for a comprehensive eye exam.

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Detecting and Managing Dry Eye Disease

At Copper View Eye Care, we are dedicated to keeping your eyes healthy. If you have dry eye disease, we offer many different treatments so we can always find something that will work for our patients.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny inserts made of medical-grade silicone or biodegradable material placed into your meibomian glands. These plugs alleviate dry eye symptoms by preventing your tears from draining too quickly from the ocular surface. The procedure is done in-office and is typically covered by your medical insurance.

Meibography

Meibography is a specialized non-invasive imaging technique used to get a closer look at your meibomian glands. This type of imaging helps us detect signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, which can lead to dry, uncomfortable eyes.

Keeping Your Eyes Comfortable

Your ocular health is important to us, so we offer products and helpful tips you can use to keep your eyes comfortable for longer.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Hypochlorous acid is an all-natural antimicrobial agent that is naturally produced in the human body’s immune system. A hypochlorous acid spray can be applied to the eyes to reduce bacteria in your eyelashes and around the eyes. Because hypochlorous acid is neutralized quickly, it is safe and effective for use on the eye’s surface.

Prescription Eye Drops

Artificial tears return moisture to the eyes. Although you can purchase eye drops over the counter, we can prescribe prescription-strength drops to treat the cause of your dry eye and relieve your symptoms.

Proper Lid Hygiene & Preventing Flare-Ups

In some cases, blepharitis can cause your dry eye disease. We can help you manage the condition and teach you proper eyelid hygiene to avoid flare-ups and discomfort.

We will discuss what products and techniques you can use to keep your eyelids bacteria-free and healthy.

We will also go through your health history and current lifestyle to explore any present external factors that may be making your dry eye symptoms worse. Some helpful tips to avoid discomfort are:

Avoid using hair dryers if possible
Use a humidifier in hot rooms to return moisture to the air
Use wrap-around glasses to protect your eyes from windy climates
Ask your optometrist about foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to add to your diet