Tips for Managing Chronic Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are like that annoying itch you can't scratch. They occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.

At Dr. Bozner's Vision Lab Optometry & Dry Eye Treatment Center in Riverside, California, Dr. Richard Bozner specializes in dry eye conditions, and he understands how it can reduce your quality of life. 

His decades of experience have equipped him with the expertise to accurately diagnose the root causes of your dry eyes and create a customized treatment plan just for you.

Here, he breaks down practical steps to help relieve your symptoms. 

What causes dry eyes?

There are several reasons why people get dry eyes. It could be because of age or certain medications you're taking. Sometimes, it's simply about balance; your eyes need the right amount of water, oils, and mucus. If something's off, it can lead to dry eyes.

Being in a dry environment or looking at computer screens for a long time without blinking can also cause it. Knowing why you have dry eyes helps us treat the condition.

Tips for managing chronic dry eyes

Are you living with dry eyes? These strategies could provide you with much-needed relief. 

Drink water

Drinking enough water helps keep your whole body hydrated, including your eyes. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

Adjust your diet

Eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce dry eye symptoms. Foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds are good sources. Vitamins A, C, and E are also beneficial for eye health.

Blink more often

This may seem like a no-brainer, but remember to blink, especially if you're working on a computer or using your phone for a long time. Blinking helps spread tears evenly over your eyes.

Use humidifiers

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which is good for your eyes. This is especially helpful in winter when the air is dry. Also, avoid sitting in front of fans, heaters, or air conditioners, as they can dry out your eyes.

Protect your eyes

Sunglasses are not just stylish; they help protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses when you're outside to protect your eyes from wind and dust. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Warm compresses

Put a warm, damp cloth over your eyes for a few minutes. This helps make the oil in your eyelid glands flow better, improving the quality of your tears.

Regular eye exams

Have your eyes checked regularly. This helps us catch any problems early and ensures that your eyes are in good health.

Treatment options for chronic dry eyes

About 50 million people in the United States suffer from chronic dry eyes, with most — more than 80% — the result of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Conventional methods may not always provide sufficient relief when it comes to chronic dry eyes, particularly in cases of meibomian gland dysfunction or other underlying causes. 

In such scenarios, specialized treatments can be vital in managing and alleviating the symptoms. Here are some advanced treatment options:

Artificial tears and prescription eyedrops

For more severe dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears may not be enough. Prescription eyedrops, like Restasis® or Xiidra®, can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL)

Luminous OptiLight IPL® is an FDA-approved treatment that uses light pulses to liquefy and release hardened oils that have blocked your meibomian glands. This treatment is especially beneficial for those with meibomian gland dysfunction.

TearCare® with meibomian gland expression

This treatment involves applying controlled heat to your eyelids to soften any thick oils that might be clogging up your meibomian glands. Then Dr. Bozner gently squeezes these glands to remove the old, thick oils. 

BlephEx® treatment

This is a clinical-grade eyelid cleaning procedure during which we use a specialized device to remove dirt, crust, and bacterial biofilm from your eyelids and lashes. It helps prevent clogged glands and improves overall eye hygiene.

ZEST (Zocular® eyelid system treatment)

ZEST is a treatment that focuses on removing debris and reducing inflammation around the eyelid margin. It uses an okra-infused solution to gently lift and clear the debris without any discomfort.

MiBo Thermoflo

MiBo Thermoflo is a thermal pulsation system that combines heat and pressure to unblock meibomian glands. The system applies controlled heat to the inner eyelids and mild pressure to open up the blocked glands.

Chronic dry eyes are a common problem, but you can manage the condition with the proper care. Make your eyes a priority and seek the specialized care they deserve by scheduling an appointment at our Riverside, California, office. Call us or book online today.