Ocular Surface Disorder / Dry Eye

Dry Eye Treatment in Bellevue, Washington

Dry eye and dry eye symptoms are very common in older adults. In fact, a recent consumer study conducted by Allergan suggests that dry eyes are even more prevalent than previously believed and most Americans fail to seek professional help for these symptoms. Read more about the Allergan Survey Dry Eyes: How Common are Dry Eye.

At Specialty Eyecarè Centre it is relatively common for us see patients who have been suffering for several years with dry eye symptoms but like many adults, they have attributed these symptoms to environmental factors, medications, extended computer use, etc. and have never sought any formal or structured treatment plan. While dry eye syndrome is not curable, it can be managed in various ways. In the case of our patients who suffer from glaucoma, treatment of dry eye is extremely important not only for the comfort of the patient, but for the long term health of the surface of the eye. And so we have to manage both conditions, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes one at a time.

While you may not think you suffer from dry eye, it is possible you could have dry eye and it is affecting your everyday activities. The exact cause of dry eye is still being researched; however it can be caused by a number of factors. Dry eye can result from a decrease in tear production and/or an increase in tear film evaporation.

What causes Dry Eye?

• Environmental factors
• Contact lenses
• Drug side effects (antihistamines, anti-depressants, diuretics)
• Smoking
• Eye injuries and burns
• Age
• Hormonal changes (menopause)
• Elective surgeries (Lasik, PRK, blepharoplasty)
• Chemotherapy and radiation
• Systemic disease (Sjogren’s Syndrome, RA, lupus)
• Eye and eyelid conditions (meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal dystrophies,
  blepharitis, ptosis and lagophthalmous)

What are common symptoms of Dry Eye?

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Tearing
• Foreign body sensation
• Photophobia
• Fatigue

Dry eye can be exacerbated by climate, eye irritants such as smoke and chemicals and daily activities such as computer use. Some home remedies and suggestions for dry eye patients include humidifiers in the bedroom and office, eye protection from wind and sun and taking breaks from the computer monitor.

Dry eye can be managed as an ongoing condition. The first step is to determine the underlying cause of the dry eye.

How do you Treat Dry Eye?

• Artificial tears and ointments
• Punctal Plugs
• Restasis
• Steroid eye drops
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements
• Lid hygiene (warm compress and lid scrub)
• Punctal cautery
• Lipiflow dry eye treatment

What to Expect at Your Dry Eye Exam

When you make an appointment in our office for a dry eye evaluation our dedicated staff will review your health history with a series of questions specifically designed for patients who may suffer from dry eye. Once you have been evaluated, Dr. Barnebey and his experienced staff will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will help you manage your dry eye symptoms.

When you meet with Dr. Barnebey, you will discover the approach may be more extensive than what you may have experienced during previous routine eye exams, especially if your appointment is for a cataract evaluation or if your are considering having any type surgery with Dr. Barnebey. While your journey through our evaluation process can be lengthy at times, Dr. Barnebey believes with the appropriate assessment, his patients are able to fully understand the many options available to them and therefore comfortable with their decisions when proceeding with treatment options and or surgery. We look forward to meeting you at your next visit.

Advanced Technology Treatment for Dry Eye

We are committed to healthy vision. And as Dry Eye experts we offer specialized attention through our Dry Eye Clinic. We understand your frustration with the limitations of traditional therapies and are committed to bringing you the best technology available to treat this uncomfortable disease – so that you can enjoy the greatest possible relief.

It’s time for a revolutionary approach to Dry Eye treatment.

If you’ve been suffering with this painful condition – or think you may have it – we can determine the cause of your symptoms and apply therapy appropriate to your specific needs that may make your daily discomfort a thing of the past. We also offer the new LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment, if you suffer from evaporative Dry Eye you can now get this treatment in our office. With just one treatment, you may experience sustained relief.