Category Archives: Dry Eye

Eye exams and why they are important

Annual eye exams can detect serious health problems.

Did you know that many people first learn they have serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from — yes, you guessed it — a routine eye exam.

Our eyes have been called “the window to our soul.” It turns out, they also are often a very effective window to our overall health.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can observe and evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, which are a good predictor of the health of blood vessels throughout your body. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia all are visible by changes in the appearance of the retinal blood supply and blood vessels.

Annual eye exams are especially important for anyone with diabetes or who might be at risk for the disease (due to obesity, family history or other reasons). More than 30 million Americans with diabetes and another 84 million who have prediabetes are at risk for developing diabetic eye disease, the leading cause of blindness among adults. In its early stages, diabetic eye disease has no visible symptoms; only a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of the disease so treatment can begin soon enough to prevent vision loss.

Also, research is advancing to develop an eye test to identify your risk for Alzheimer’s disease that may soon be performed during a comprehensive eye exam.

Don’t put it off — schedule an eye exam today

Even if you think you have perfect vision, an annual eye exam can be one of the best things you can do to protect the overall health and wellness of you and your loved ones.

Don’t put if off any longer — contact us for an eye exam today.

About Dry eye

Dry eye is one of the least understood ocular diseases and yet one of the most common complaints we hear from  patients.

Women are more frequently affected than men. Dry Eye Disease is often caused by hormonal changes due to aging, menopause, and other medical conditions or their treatments.

Your eyes need a constant layer of healthy, balanced tears called the “tear film” to stay nourished and protected. A change in the quality or the quantity of your tears can result in an un-balanced tear film.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease may include:

Stinging
Burning
Scratchy Sensation
Sensitivity to Light
Tearing
Tired Eyes
Contact Lens Discomfort
Blurred Vision

These dry eye disease symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after visually focusing for a prolonged period on a nearby task.

Often dry eye symptoms are mistaken for allergies, climatic conditions or just “eyestrain”. While all of these may aggravate Dry Eye Disease, they are not the cause.

Dry Eye Causes

Environmental Causes:

Hot, dry and/or windy climates, high altitudes, excessive sun exposure, central heating, air conditioning, cigarette smoke, air pollution, air travel.

Refractive eye surgeries:

Dry eye is the most common complaint following LASIK. Your doctor should test your eyes prior to surgery to ensure the best outcome.

Contact Lens Wear:

Two million people a year give up on wearing contact lenses. 50% of these contact lens “dropouts” say its due to dryness or discomfort. If you have Dry Eye Disease, your doctor can prescribe a specific lens for your condition or prescribe treatment to allow you to wear your lenses more comfortably.

Low blink rate:

Blinking is critical in stimulating tear production, as well as spreading the tears across the eye’s surface. The three common culprits responsible for reducing your blink rate are computer use, reading, and watching TV. Sometimes just remembering to blink can improve how your eyes feel.

Medications:

It is important that your eye doctor know all of the medications that you take. Some medications known to aggravate dry eye disease are; allergy medications, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, diuretics, and pain medications just to name a few.

Diseases:

Some diseases associated with dry eye disease are; Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Lacrimal Gland Deficiency, Blepharitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Rosacea.

Hormonal deficiencies or changes:

Thyroid conditions, hormonal changes during menopause, decreased production of androgen, estrogen supplementation can all affect ocular health. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking hormone replacement therapy or have a thyroid condition.

Treatment

Many treatments for dry eyes are available without a prescription.  However, it’s wise to see an optometrists to evaluate the cause of the condition and to create the best treatment plan for you.

Treatments for dry eyes may include:

  • Changes in diet
  • Supplementation
  • Artificial Tears: There are many artificial tears available over the counter. Ask an Accredited Dry Eye Center which drop is best for your specific condition.
  • Ointments. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.
  • Plugs (temporary and permanent punctual occlusion). Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. Temporary or permanent plugs can be inserted to hold tears around the eyes longer. Many patients find that plugs improve comfort and reduce the need for artificial tears.
  • Restasis®. For the treatment of chronic dry eye, Restasis is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.
  • Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.
  • Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.

Our doctors at Fine Eyewear & Eye care in Cedar Park treat patients who suffer from dry eye every day. Fine Eyewear is  located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX . Some of the local neighborhoods served by Fine Eyewear include Forest Oaks, Silver Oaks, Teravista, Avery Ranch, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Vista Oaks and Wood Glen – we have an eye doctor close by for you! Come and See us! Visit our main website at www.FineEyewear.net