July is Dry Eye Awareness Month

Based on the term ‘ dry eye’ alone, you might think the condition is pretty self-explanatory (and in some ways it is).

But what exactly is dry eye? Dry eye is actually a very common chronic eye disease that is the result of the body not producing enough of its own tears. Alternatively, dry eye can also exist when there is an adequate amount of tears, but the tears that are made simply evaporate too quickly.

In some people, dry eye disease can even be caused by both of these things occurring at the same time. In turn, this disruption of the eye’s delicate front surface often results in inflammation, discomfort, and can cause a host of other unpleasant symptoms varying from mild to severe.

  What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Interestingly, most patients who have dry eye disease don’t experience what they would consider dry eye to feel like - dry. In fact, in a lot of cases, dry eye will actually result in excessive tearing rather than a decrease in tearing. This is the result of the eye trying to counteract the dryness by producing extra tears. Other symptoms of dry eye may include:

  ● Blurred vision
  ● Vision that fluctuates throughout the day
  ● New difficulty wearing contact lenses
  ● Burning
  ● Watery eyes
  ● Redness
  ● Tired eyes
  ● Itching
  ● Itchy eyes

  How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Disease?

Remember when we said Dry Eye was pretty common? According to the Ophthalmology Times , around 16 million people in America have been diagnosed with Dry Eye. However, experts believe this number to be much higher.

In fact, a National Health and Wellness survey performed in 2013 stated 6 million people on average reported symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, but had not been formally diagnosed. They went on to explain that often when Dry Eye is diagnosed, the severity is underestimated or undetermined. This is why it is so important to find a provider who understands the complexity of the disease and can perform the necessary testing and evaluation if symptoms are experienced.

  So just how is dry eye diagnosed?

There are actually many diagnostic tools involved in the management and diagnosis of dry eye that will vary slightly by practitioner. According to our own Dr. Selina McGee, “ Dry Eye Disease is much easier to treat and provide relief for in the early stages versus late stage.

There are many important tests that I do in the office to look for signs of dry eye including vital dye testing (this is where two types of harmless dye are placed onto the surface of your eye). This test allows me to see if important structures such as the conjunctiva and cornea are being affected by the disease - sometimes even before you notice many symptoms.

I also look at the meibomian glands which are located along the eyelid margin and are responsible for ensuring tears do not evaporate too rapidly. This is done with a special infrared camera, and is a vital step in dry eye care because when the disease progresses, these structures can die, and once we lose them they never regenerate.”

  How Is Dry Eye Treated?

Once the diagnosis of dry eye disease is made there are many ways it can be treated. BeSpoke Vision has more tools to treat dry eye than any other practice in Oklahoma. Treatment will depend on severity and type and is tailored to each person’s needs. These treatments can include:

  ● Anti-inflammatory prescription eye drops
  ● LipiFlow
  ● TearCare
  ● Intense Pulsed Light by Lumenis
  ● Neurostimulation
  ● Fish Oil Supplements
  ● At home heat therapy
  ● And more...

  What Can I Do To Help My Dry Eye On My Own?

Certain activities can make dry eyes worse and avoiding those can certainly help! Lifestyle changes can really help too. This includes:

  ● Drinking lots of water
  ● Not having circulating air blowing on your face (fans and vents)
  ● Taking breaks from digital devices and making an effort to purposely blink
  ● Using the right type of cleansers to wash eyelids and lashes
  ● Taking eye makeup off every night
  ● Avoiding products that contain harmful ingredients

Check out our website for more information about each of these bullet points explained in further depth.
“I am passionate about dry eye because patients shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Many people don’t realize they have the disease and others have been diagnosed, but may not realize all the treatment options available today. I can help people see and feel their best!” –Dr. McGee