Living with dry eye can significantly impact not only your eye health but also your quality of life. If you’ve tried using artificial tears and are still dealing with discomfort, it may be time to explore other treatments for dry eye. Keep reading to learn about some of the treatment options we offer at Primary EyeCare Associates in Troy, Ohio. 

Lifestyle changes for dry eye relief 

Depending on the severity of your dry eyes and the underlying cause, our experts may recommend lifestyle changes, usually in combination with other treatments. A few lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in managing dry eye symptoms. Start by protecting your eyes from environmental factors such as dry air, wind, indoor heating, or air conditioning, which can make your eyes feel even drier. Using a humidifier at home can keep moisture in the air, and don’t forget to take breaks from screens.  

We are spending much more time on screens than ever before, leading to more cases of dry eyes and digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome). Every 20 minutes, make sure to take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. By doing this, you can help reduce eye strain and keep your eyes hydrated.  

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and low level light therapy (LLLT) 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light pulses to target the oil-producing glands around the eyes. These glands, known as meibomian glands, produce the oils that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are clogged or not functioning properly, it leads to dry eyes. 

At Primary EyeCare Associates, we offer low level light therapy (LLLT) in conjunction with IPL. LLLT for dry eye uses gentle light energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the tissues around the eyes. When combined with IPL, LLLT enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment by helping to soothe irritated tissues and improve blood flow.  

Amniotic membranes 

If you suffer from severe dry eye, amniotic membranes can be a potential treatment option. These natural membranes have unique healing properties and can help repair the surface of your eye, reduce inflammation, and protect it from further damage. They’re especially helpful when dry eye is caused by chronic inflammation or damage to the eye’s surface. 

Medicated eye drops 

Medicated eye drops are a key part of managing dry eye. They provide moisture while also targeting the underlying causes of dry eyes, such as inflammation and lack of tear production. Prescription eye drops for dry eye can help reduce inflammation and boost tear production, providing longer-lasting relief. 

Scleral contact lenses 

People with dry eyes often struggle with wearing contact lenses. If your eyes aren’t lubricated, contact lenses can feel very uncomfortable, and you may experience irritation, redness, and intermittent blurry vision. Many people with dry eye find scleral lenses to be more comfortable than standard contact lenses. These lenses create a cushioning layer of moisturizing solution between your eyes and the contact lens, keeping your eyes continuously moist. This constant moisture provides relief from the symptoms of dry eye and helps improve your overall eye health.  

Finding the best dry eye treatment near you 

At Primary EyeCare Associates, we offer a variety of effective treatments for dry eye, no matter how severe your symptoms are. From simple lifestyle changes to advanced treatment options like IPL therapy and amniotic membranes, you have options. Contact our dry eye specialists in Troy today to schedule an appointment and find out which treatment is right for you.