Dry Eye Disease affects so many of our patients and the quality of their lives. At Westside Optometry we have started a Dry Eye Clinic to assess, diagnose and treat dry eyes
What happens at a dry eye exam?
A questionnaire will help the doctor understand how dry eye is affecting you daily and determine causes. Causes can be hormonal, medication induced, environmental factors and mechanical.
Tear quantity will be measured
Tear quality will be assessed and measured
The eyelids will be examined for underlying disease and contributing factors.
Once the doctor diagnoses the cause(s) of your dry eye she will develop a treatment plan.
What are dry eye treatments?
Eyelid hygiene is very important to the quality of the tears. The doctor will prescribe a hygiene program which may include hot compresses and type of lid cleaning depending on the underlying cause of the dry eye condition.
Prescription eye drops may be required to quiet inflammation or improve the quality of tear producing goblet cells.
Non-preserved artificial tears may be prescribed
Oral supplements such as omega 3 can be prescribed to enhance tear quality.
Thermal Expression is procedure done in the office applies targeted and controlled heat to the eyelids for 10 minutes. The doctor will express meibom from the eyelids and usually follow the treatment with an eyelid cleaning see below. (BlephEx)
BlephEx is an office procedure performed by the doctor to thoroughly remove the debris that builds up around the eyelashes and on the eyelid.
Resolution of dry eyes takes time and ongoing maintenance is often required to keep the eyes clear and comfortable.
Westside Optometry is scheduling Dry Eye Visits on Thursdays and Tuesday afternoons. We ask that you’ve had a complete eye examination within the last 12 months, before a dry eye work-up. To schedule an exam or dry eye evaluation online hit the appropriate link below or call 707-762-8643
Schedule an eye examination
Schedule a dry eye evaluation
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