Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don't produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears.

Dry eyes feel uncomfortable. If you have dry eyes, your eyes may sting or burn. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours.

Tears can be inadequate for many reasons.

Causes of Dry Eye

• Medications – A common cause of dry eye is prescription and over-the-counter medications. Usually, they will list dry eye as a side-effect.

• Older Adults – As we age, the tear production in the eyes can reduce. This is why most people who have dry eye are over the age of 50.

• Having an Immune Disorder – Autoimmune disorders can cause dry eyes. Common conditions include Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome.

• Having Allergies – Seasonal allergies can lead to dry, itchy scratchy eyes.

• Environmental Conditions – working in dry, dusty or windy conditions can develop symptoms of dry eye. Blinking less often, which tends to occur when you're concentrating, for example, while reading, driving or working at a computer

• Eyelid problems - such as out-turning of the lids (ectropion) and in-turning of the lids (entropion)
  
  

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result in a wide range of symptoms that may not be readily noticeable. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to call our office and schedule an appointment with us in order to diagnose the causes of your dry eye and develop a dry eye treatment plan.

• Having blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night or a sensitivity to light

• Having eyes that are scratchy or feel gritty when you blink

• Having red eyes or feeling like your eyes are burning

• Sudden intolerance to wearing contact lenses

Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye can affect your quality of life, but there are effective solutions to manage your symptoms. At Capitol Eye Care Center, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to your needs.

Mild to Moderate Dry Eye

For mild to moderate cases, we may recommend:

• Eye Drops:

  • Used during the day to hydrate your eyes and reduce dryness.

• Ointments:

  • Applied at night to maintain moisture while you sleep.

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops

Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Advanced Healing for Chronic Dry Eye and Corneal Damage
We offer innovative amniotic membrane therapies, including Prokera® and other options. These natural membranes are derived from placental tissue and provide:

• Anti-Inflammatory Relief: Reduces irritation and redness.

• Tissue Regeneration: Encourages healing of damaged corneal tissue.

• Corneal Protection: Shields the eye while promoting recovery.

This cutting-edge treatment is ideal for chronic dry eye sufferers or those with corneal damage.

Mini Eyelid ‘Facial’

A Gentle, In-Office Procedure for Eyelid Health
Healthy eyelids are vital for maintaining clear, comfortable vision. Our Mini Eyelid Facial is a specialized treatment designed to:

• Promote eyelid hygiene.

• Enhance tear quality.

• Support long-term eye health.
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How It Works

• Heat Treatment:

  • Gently warms the eyelids to liquefy hardened oils in the glands.

• Gland Expression:

  • Removes blockages and debris to restore the natural oil flow.

• In-office treatment:
  Gently cleanses the eyelid margins, removes debris, and stimulates the oil glands to improve tear quality and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Key Benefits

• Improved Tear Quality: Stabilizes the tear film to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

• Hygiene: Removes bacteria and irritants that cause inflammation.

• Comfort and Clarity: Reduces irritation for better long-term vision.

This procedure is ideal for individuals with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, or chronic eyelid irritation.

Find Relief at Capitol Eye Care Center

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t wait to seek relief. Schedule a consultation today to explore these effective treatment options tailored to your needs!