When you’re standing in front of the shelf at the store, looking at all the options for artificial tears, it can feel overwhelming. How do you know which one is right for you? It’s a common question, and I totally understand how confusing it can be.
This is where my Dry Eye Clinic comes in. It’s not just a place where we hand out over-the-counter eye drops – it’s a space to really dive into understanding what’s going on with your eyes. We look at your symptoms in a more comprehensive way, whether you're dealing with burning, blurred vision (even with correction), scratchiness, or excessive tearing.
Dry eyes are all about balance. Your eyes need a proper mix of oil and water to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, bacteria and inflammation are often major culprits when it comes to dry eye disease, and if left untreated, they can make things worse.
Now, here's something important to understand: you have 30-40 Meibomian Glands in both your upper and lower eyelids. These glands produce oil that forms the top layer of your tear film. Think of it like an "oil fountain." If these glands get clogged or infected, they won’t secrete the oil they should, and over time, your tears will dry up. That’s why it’s so important to keep them healthy.
In addition, there’s the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for secreting the watery layer of your tears. This can be affected by autoimmune diseases and other factors. The key is that oil and water need to be in the right balance for your eyes to stay comfortable and healthy.
When you visit my clinic, we take a thorough look at all the structures in your eyes, from your eyelids and lashes to how your tears are being produced and drained. Every patient is unique, and it's important to build a comprehensive picture of both your systemic and ocular health.
Apart from diagnosing your dry eye as either lipid-deficient, aqueous-deficient, or a mix of both, we also offer in-office treatments that are customized specifically for your needs. These treatments can help address the underlying causes of your dry eyes and provide you with long-lasting relief.
It’s also important to know that dry eye is a chronic condition, meaning there are no quick fixes. However, the good news is that there’s a lot we can do for you, both in the office and at home, to help manage and treat your dry eye. With the right care and treatment plan, we can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
My Dry Eye Clinic has been around for 5 years now, and I can tell you that the field is constantly evolving. Many people don’t realize what a normal blink should feel like until they experience the difference firsthand. Once we start treating the underlying causes of dry eye, the results can be life-changing.
Let’s work together to find the right approach for you and help bring balance back to your eyes!