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Experience Soothing Relief for Dry Eye

Do your eyes ever feel dry, gritty or irritated? You might be experiencing dry eye syndrome. Let Fresh Vision Optometrists help you find relief and restore your eye's natural comfort with effective dry eye treatments in Maroochydore.

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What is Dry Eye and How Do You Know If You Have It?

Tears play a crucial role in maintaining the health and comfort of your eyes. Their primary function is to nurture the cornea, the transparent front part of your eye, by washing away foreign particles and ensuring a moist, smooth surface.

Sometimes, the delicate balance of tear production and composition can be disrupted, leading to a condition known as dry eye syndrome (DES). It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have dry eye:

  • Gritty or sandy sensation
  • Itchy or burning eyes
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive tearing
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
Female Dry Eyes

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can stem from various factors that disrupt the normal tear film’s composition and production. Common causes include:

  • Age (especially individuals over 50)
  • Gender
  • Medical conditions (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders)
  • Medications
  • Environmental factors
  • Screen time
  • Contact lenses
  • Eyelid problems(blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction)
  • Lifestyle factors (smoking, diet)

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

At Fresh Vision Optometrists, we diagnose dry eye syndrome by considering your symptoms and conducting specific tests.

  1. Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) Test: This involves using a harmless dye to assess tear stability. A low TBUT could indicate lipid deficiency in tears due to oil glands in the eyelids not functioning properly.
  2. Schirmer Test: This test measures tear production using a strip of filter paper placed under the eyelid. It is performed less frequently than a TBUT test.
Male Dry Eyes

Effective Dry Eye Treatment in Maroochydore

Whether your dry eye is mild or severe, we offer a range of solutions to relieve and improve your eye health.

  1. Eye Drops or Artificial Tears: For milder cases, we may recommend lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to supplement your natural tear production. Our optometrists can also prescribe drops or short-term steroids for rapid relief.
  2. Punctal Inserts: These small inserts are recommended for more severe cases of dry eye and are placed in the lower eyelid to help alleviate discomfort.
  3. Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis): If blepharitis contributes to your dry eye, a heated compress mask, eyelid scrub, or antibiotic ointments can be prescribed.
  4. Punctal Plugs: By reducing tear drainage, these tiny plugs maintain essential moisture in your eyes, preventing excessive dryness.

Our commitment is to provide a personalised treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Schedule a consultation at Fresh Vision Optometrists to take steps toward relieving your dry eye symptoms for better eye health and comfort.