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DRY EYE TREATMENT AT The Eye Studio

Are you experiencing symptoms of dry eye such as red, itchy, gritty-feeling, dry or watery eyes? At our Red Deer eye clinic, we will take the time to understand your symptoms and create a dry eye treatment plan tailored just for you. We want to make sure that you enjoy clear and comfortable vision every day so that you can live your best life.

Home » Eye Care Services » Dry Eye » What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Treatments

 

At the Eye Studio, we have some of the most advanced eye care technologies for the quick and effective detection of dry eye syndrome.

So what treatments are available at our eye clinic for dry eye syndrome? We often begin treatment with medicated eye drops, a heated compress, or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Occasiny In some cases, punctal plugs may be painlessly inserted into the eye’s tear duct. These tiny plugs prevent moisture from draining out of the eye, keeping your eyes better moisturized for longer.

Let our friendly and experienced optometric team help get you started on the path to real long-term relief from dry eye.

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Warm Compresses For Temporary Dry Eye Relief

Looking for a dry eye solution you can do yourself at home? Though the effect is temporary, warm eye compresses can help soothe your eyes and provide relief almost immediately. The moisture of the compress helps to reduce the gritty feeling many dry eye sufferers experience, while the warmth helps relieve pain or muscle spasms that may accompany dry eye. The warmth of the compress also helps unclog the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which are responsible for producing oils that keep your tears from drying up too quickly.

So, how do you create a warm compress at home?

  1. Dampen a clean washcloth in clean, warm water. Make sure it’s warm, but not so hot that you’ll burn yourself.
  2. Wring out the washcloth to get excess water out. It should be damp, not soaking.
  3. Fold the warm, damp cloth and place it on your closed eyes. Let it rest on your eyes until it’s not warm anymore.
  4. When it’s time to reheat the washcloth, dip it again in the warm water. Repeat as often as you want.

Dry warm compresses also exist, and they can be heated using a microwave. You can also buy warm compress eye masks at drugstores. Whether store-bought or home-made, you should apply the warm compress two times a day (morning and night) to get the best results.

Warm eye compresses are a great temporary remedy for alleviating dry eye symptoms at home, but Dr. Jason Holtom and Dr. Tedra Kindopp offer more effective, long-lasting dry eye treatments at our eye care clinic. If you are experiencing dry eye, schedule an appointment at The Eye Studio to get the relief you seek.

Eating Right to Prevent Dry Eyes

Eating healthy is a great start to help you prevent dry eye symptoms. Specific vitamins, fatty acids and trace elements have been shown to be good not only for our overall health but also for keeping our eyes hydrated and healthy.

Here are some of the most important vitamins and minerals, and where you can get them:

Vitamin A

This helps protect the surface of the eye. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver.

Vitamin B2

This type of B vitamin is essential for protecting your eyes against cell damage. You can find it in avocados, broccoli, whole-grain products, and dairy.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important for keeping your tear film healthy. Kale, potatoes, goose, mackerel, salmon and sardines are all great sources of B6.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for keeping the eyes moisturized. Foods that are high in B12 include mackerel, and beef liver. It can also be found in dairy products and eggs, though in smaller amounts than in meats and fish.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is helpful in maintaining a functioning tear film that won’t leave your eyes feeling high and dry! It can be found in broccoli, peppers and brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential for protecting against cell damage in your eyes as well as dry eye. Sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, mackerel, spinach, and mangos are all great sources of Vitamin E.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help promote healthy cell function and protect the eyes against UV light. Foods rich in these include leafy greens like romaine lettuce and spinach.

Zinc

Zinc is responsible for getting vitamin A from your liver to your retina and produces melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes. Dairy, whole grains, nuts, sweetcorn, peas and lentils are all excellent sources of zinc.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are responsible for forming the stabilizing oil layer in the tear film. Foods high in omega fatty acids include fish such as salmon and mackerel, red meat, sunflower oil, cheese, and eggs.

Our Red Deer eye doctors are happy to speak to you further about how to live a healthy life to keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.