Receive Winter Dry Eye Treatment At A Dry Eye Clinic

Receive Winter Dry Eye Treatment At A Dry Eye Clinic

Although many Albertans suffer from dry eyes all year long, dry eye symptoms become even more common and severe in the winter. During this time of year, the temperature drops and the cold air is unable to hold as much moisture as warm air. This causes the humidity levels to lower, and the lack of moisture in the air tends to make eyes even more irritable and dry than usual. Strong winter winds also increase the rate of dry eyes, as the fast-moving wind evaporates tears. This can cause itching, irritated eyes for anyone, and for those with Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), it can increase already existing dry eye symptoms. Visiting a dry eye clinic can help you manage your dry eye symptoms in winter and all year long.

Treatments Used By Dry Eye Clinics

When you visit a dry eye clinic, the treatment recommended for you will depend on the severity and cause of your dry eyes. After a dry eye exam to determine if you aren’t producing enough tears or if your tears are low quality and therefore not delivering adequate lubrication, your optometrist will suggest treatment options. These may include:

  • Prescription eye drops
    Dry eyes caused by infections such as eyelid inflammation may require antibiotic eye drops prescribed by an optometrist. There are also tear-stimulation eye drops, gels, and medications that your optometrist may prescribe.
  • Artificial tears
    To increase lubrication and comfort, your optometrist may recommend you use artificial tears. They may recommend artificial tears with preservatives if your dry eyes are mild, and artificial tears without preservatives if your dry eyes are severe or persistent. If you wear contact lenses and have dry eyes, your optometrist may recommend the use of rewetting drops. Learn more about different forms of eye drops and rewetting drops here.
  • Steroid eye drops
    If your dry eyes are the result of or are causing corneal inflammation, your optometrist will likely prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. These eye drops are not recommended for long-term use. 
  • Warm compresses
    This at-home remedy is most effective for people with mild dry eyes, but it can be easily used by anyone with dry eyes to help stimulate tear production. Get a washcloth damp with warm water and hold this firmly over the eyes for about 10 minutes. It can also help to gently scrub your eyelids and lash line as well, as this can help to clear blocked oils.
  • Punctal plugs
    These inserts are placed into the small openings of the eyelids to plug the tear ducts, which helps to reduce the number of tears that drain out of the eye. Punctual plugs are small, comfortable silicone inserts that are not permanent. They will need to be inserted and removed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
     

Do You Have Dry Eyes This Winter? Visit A Dry Eye Clinic.

Winter dry eyes are very common in Alberta but that doesn’t mean you need to live with the symptoms. Visiting a dry eye clinic can give you the relief you need so that you can enjoy the winter. Specs in the City in Calgary has a dry eye clinic designed to help Calgarians keep their dry eye symptoms at bay by creating personalized dry eye treatment plans that work to treat dry eyes of all causes and severities. Keep your eyes comfortable and safe all year long by calling Specs in the City at 1-403-252-2020 or filling out the online contact form.
 

FAQ

Q: Are dry eye symptoms bad for your eyes?
A: Yes, beyond being uncomfortable or painful, dry eyes can also cause damage to the eye if left unmanaged. Dry eyes can cause corneal damage which can result in light sensitivity, pain, and blurred vision. Dry eyes also put you at greater risk of developing eye infections. Read The Hidden Danger Of Undiagnosed Dry Eye Syndrome for more information.

Q: Can dry eyes be cured?
A: Dry eyes can often be managed, but not cured. The Specs in the City dry eye clinic offers many treatments to manage dry eye symptoms, but these treatments will often need to be ongoing in order to manage symptoms, and the frequency of treatments will depend on the severity of dry eye, the cause, and the treatment options available for you. To learn more about dry eye management and to receive a personalized dry eye management plan, contact Specs in the City.

Q: Can I still wear contacts if I suffer from dry eye syndrome?
A: Yes, but your eye doctor may require you to switch contact lenses and solutions that will not irritate your eyes while wearing them. You may also be required to wear your eyeglasses more often to prevent possible irritation from occurring with long-term wear of contact lenses.

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