What Is Dry Eye & What Causes It?
We’ve all experienced the dry skin and chapped lips that come from living in Colorado. Our dry climate affects not only our skin but also our eyes! Dry eyes can make it feel like your eyes are constantly tired, irritated, or burning. But we can help.
Aside from our climate, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is another common cause of dry eyes. If you have MGD, the glands in your eyes don’t produce the quality or quantity of oil your eyes need, and your tears can evaporate too quickly, resulting in discomfort throughout the day.
Fortunately, in addition to comprehensive eye exams, we offer dry eye screenings and treatment. In your exam, we’ll determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes and advise you on the next steps.
Schedule an appointment with us today.
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Symptoms of Dry Eye
The risk of dry eye can increase as you age. If you wear contact lenses regularly, don’t get enough vitamin A or omega-3s, or have certain autoimmune conditions, like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome, you may also be more susceptible to dry eye.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Redness
- Irritation, stinging, or burning
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
We want to help you enjoy your time and activities instead of worrying about dry eye discomfort. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, we will evaluate your eyes with our diagnostic tools to help find the root cause of your discomfort.
If you have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the glands in your eyes may be blocked. When this happens, the tears in your eyes evaporate too quickly, causing dry eye symptoms. We can check if you have dry eye by:
- Taking pictures of your meibomian glands using special photography called meibography
- Using specialized dyes or stains to see how quickly your tears evaporate
- Using tear break-up tests to see how long your tear film covers your eye
Our Dry Eye Treatment Options
Environmental conditions, like pollution, air conditioning, or even working on digital devices and certain medications can worsen dry eye. If dry air affects your eyes, using a humidifier may help reduce your symptoms.
When we spend more time on screens, our blink rate decreases, which can lead to the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye or digital eye strain. When you’re working on your computer or spending time on your phone, try to take regular breaks every 20 minutes or so.
While these tips can help, our treatment options are designed to tackle the root of the issue. We’ll walk you through the options available during your screening.
TempSure Envi (Radiofrequency)
Radiofrequency gently heats your eyelids, melting the oil that’s clogging your meibomian glands. The pressure the device creates also helps push out the oil, clearing your glands.
When there isn’t enough oil in your eyes, your tears evaporate too quickly, causing dry eye. Radiofrequency heats your glands, melting the oil that’s clogging them. The pressure the device creates also helps push out the oil, clearing your glands.
In addition to treating dry eyes, the TempSure Envi offers aesthetic benefits. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into your tear ducts to help reduce or stop the drainage of tears from your eyes. Slower tear drainage allows your eyes to stay moisturized throughout the day, which can reduce symptoms of dry eye.
Medical Eye Drops
If your dry eye is caused by inflammation, we may recommend prescription eye drops.
Medicated eye drops contain corticosteroids or other ingredients that target and soothe inflammation. These eye drops differ from artificial tears because they contain medication specific to your needs.
Eyelid Sprays
Eyelid sprays can support your eye health and tear quality. Some sprays help improve eyelid hygiene to decrease inflammation and remove gland blockages, while others can strengthen the water and oil layers of your natural tears.
A spray treatment can help tears evaporate slower, increasing your comfort and reducing dry eye symptoms.
Eye Masks
Eye masks are a noninvasive treatment you can do from the comfort of your own home. When eye masks are used daily, they can help clear blocked glands by heating and melting the oil in them.
Book an Appointment
If you’re concerned about or exhibiting dry eye symptoms, we can help. Schedule an appointment today.
Request AppointmentOur Location
Our Address
- 18148 W 92nd Ln, Unit 400
- Arvada, CO 80007
Contact Information
- Phone: 720-722-5535
- Fax: 720-722-5538
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday*: Closed
- Sunday*: Closed
*On Call
Good for You, Good for the Planet
Find eyewear as unique as you are. We have frames to suit every style, face shape, and personality. From bold and daring to classic and understated, whether you prioritize fashion or function, metal or plastic, we’ll help you find your perfect fit.
Good news for the planet (and your style): We’re committed to offering eco-friendly eyewear. Over a third of our collection features brands that look and do good.
Crafted with recycled materials and sustainable practices, explore our selection from Zeal, Eco Eyewear, Arbor, Shwood, Parafina, and eco-options from Dragon, Pure, Paradigm, and Etnia Barcelona.
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Mountain Breeze Optometry
- 18148 W 92nd Ln, Unit 400
- Arvada, CO 80007
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P: 720-722-5535
F: 720-722-5538
[email protected]