Dry Eye Treatment in El Paso
Dry eye may not sound serious, but if you’re dealing with this condition, you know how frustrating and even painful it can be. Chronic dry eye can interfere with daily activities and impact your quality of life. Fortunately, a simple visit to our friendly El Paso ophthalmologist can provide significant relief.
Daniel G. Blumenfeld, M.D., is committed to helping you address eye problems of every nature so you can enjoy clear healthy vision. If you suspect you have dry eye, our team is here to answer questions and find the right solution for you. Our vision center offers effective care for those looking for dry eye treatment in El Paso. Contact us and schedule your visit today!
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Do I Have Dry Eye?
Dry eye is an exceptionally common eye condition. If you suspect or wonder if you have it, then more than likely, you’ve noticed one of the key symptoms. Typical signs of dry eye include:
- Stinging or burning (not caused by a sudden irritant)
- A sandy or gritty sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Frequent episodes of blurred vision
- Redness in the eye
- Pain while wearing contact lenses
While many of these symptoms can point to dry eye, it is also possible for such symptoms to result from a different eye issue. It’s essential to visit our El Paso vision center for a complete exam and proper diagnosis so that we can determine the true source of your symptoms.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when something interferes with your tear production. Your body constantly produces tears to keep your eyes lubricated throughout the day. Without effective tear production, your eyes become irritated, and dry eye is the result.
Dry eye can occur for several reasons, some of which you may not expect. Your condition could result from:
- Environment: Common environmental factors like dry weather, extreme heat or cold, and exposure to allergens can dry out your eyes.
- Medication: Conversely, using certain drugs, including antihistamines that combat allergies, can also have a side effect of interfering with tear production.
- Excessive Screen Use: Using computers, tablets, and smartphones for extended periods reduces how often you blink, so your eyes don’t receive enough moisture throughout the day.
- Medical Conditions: Certain diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome, affect your body’s tear production.
- Aging: Your body may become less effective at producing tears as you age. In women, hormone fluctuations during menopause may also impact your tears and lead to dry eye.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
Evaluating for dry eyes is straightforward and something we frequently perform at our office. Dr. Blumenfeld will provide a comprehensive exam to determine whether you have dry eye and what factors may be causing or contributing to the condition. Various tests can help us gauge the severity of your condition. These are the three most common tests Dr. Blumenfeld is likely to use.
Eye Exam: The doctor will examine your eyes for signs of dry eye. He’ll ask questions about your eye health history and use the answers to build a profile that will help him pinpoint the source. He also uses simple, noninvasive tools to closely inspect your eye and rule out other, more serious eye conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Tear Volume Test: Testing your tear volume will determine whether your eye is producing tears frequently enough to maintain your eye’s moisture and comfort. Strips of blotting paper are placed under the lower eyelid to gather tears. After a set time, the paper is checked to see how soaked with tears it has become.
Tear Quality Test: Our ophthalmologist may use this test to see whether your eyes are producing good tears. Healthy tears are a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, with each component protecting the eyes. This test determines if there is an imbalance in the mixture of your tears. The doctor uses safe dyes to observe cornea patterns and tear evaporation, which helps him identify how effective your tears may be.
Dry Eye Treatment in El Paso
Once Dr. Blumenfeld has established that you have dry eye, he’ll talk with you about your treatment options, which vary depending on the cause of the condition. The good news is that dry retina treatment is often low maintenance and can provide quick and noticeable relief.
In many cases, the best course of treatment is specially formulated eye drops. These drops provide extra lubrication for the eye, helping to build a protective layer that keeps your eyes comfortable and functioning well. If your condition is seasonal or weather-related, Dr. Blumenfeld will help you understand how to control or limit exposure to certain irritants to reduce dry eye symptoms.
If your dry eye condition is chronic or related to a biological issue, certain procedures may prove effective. These can include closing tear ducts to limit drainage, light pulse therapy combined with eye massages, and even using special contact lenses that trap moisture within the eye. Our doctor takes time to thoroughly discuss each treatment option and answer any questions to help you feel confident in the recommendations and make the decision that’s best for you.
Find Relief for Your Dry Eye
Dry eye may be common, but that doesn’t mean you should have to put up with its effects. Our team provides effective, personalized dry eye care to El Paso residents, helping you enjoy healthy and comfortable vision every day. Don’t wait to find the relief you deserve! Contact us to schedule your exam today!
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