Dry Eye Disease

Get the Eye Care You Need

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is quickly becoming one of the most common medical conditions affecting adults in the U.S. Recent studies estimate that 14.4% of adults over 40 are impacted by dry eye, including half of those who wear contact lenses. We take dry eye very seriously at Six One Six Vision Center, knowing the drastic consequences it can have on a person’s quality of life and vision. Proper eye care is vital to managing this condition.

Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Gender – females are more prone to dry eye than males
• Excessive computer work
• Environment – dry climates (like Idaho) can contribute to dry eye
• Systemic diseases – such as diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, rosacea & more
• Medication use – including those for allergies, depression, Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, birth control & more

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye include:

• Burning or stinging of the eyes
• Gritty or foreign body sensation
• Blurry or unstable vision
• Light sensitivity
• Tired or fatigued eyes
• Reduced comfort in contact lenses
• Reduced reading or near working ability

Diagnosis

Dry eye is typically diagnosed by a combination of patient symptoms and ocular signs. A comprehensive examination of the eyes will look at both the eyelids and the surface of the eye to evaluate them for signs of dry eye disease. Different dyes or “stains” may be used to give the doctor further insight into the ocular surface.

Treatment

There are a number of treatments for dry eye. Some of the most common therapies include:

• Artificial tears
• Nutritional supplements
• Topical medications, including anti-inflammatories
• Lid hygiene

At Six One Six Vision Center, we work closely with patients affected by dry eye to devise an individual treatment plan that will help relieve symptoms and manage the condition.