Dry eyes is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. Those with dry eyes can experience irritation, tearing, and discomfort that gets worse later on in the day. A common cause of dry eyes include long periods of phone and computer usage. When you are using such devices, your blink rate significantly decreases which leads to your eyes being exposed to the environment for longer periods of time. Eye Doctor Boynton Beach
The purpose of blinking is to rewet the surface of the eye, so by decreasing this process, you are causing a deficient tear surface and this creates many symptoms. In addition, your vision may decrease as well since tears are needed to create a clear surface for light to get into your eyes.
Other causes include systemic conditions such as Sjogren’s or rheumatoid arthritis, medications such as antihistamines (allergy medications), and many other factors including age, gender and environmental conditions.
Home Treatment Options for Dry Eyes
Once your eye doctor makes the diagnosis of dry eyes, he or she will often recommend a using over the counter artificial tears. They substitute the lack of good quality tears and provide comfort by rewetting the surface of the eye.
Warm compresses may be suggested as well to help open up the meibomian glands which contribute to the oily layer of the tears that prevent evaporation. Sometimes, bacteria can grow on the eyelids and cause dry eyes as well, and in this case, the eye doctor will recommend lid scrubs and cleaning the eyelids with baby shampoo.
Look for Treatment at a Dry Eye Center of Excellence
A dry eye center of excellence uses state of the art technology to provide advanced dry eye treatment. They can use imaging technology to assess the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tears, vital in preventing evaporation.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Boynton Beach, FL
If you need dry eye treatment near West Palm Beach, call the eye doctors at South Palm Eye Associates at 561-737-4040. They are able to address all of your eye related issues!