Dry Eye Specialist
Casper, WY
Dry Eye Specialist
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes
Imagine feeling like your eyes are as dry as the desert or dealing with persistent irritation and grittiness that just won’t go away. That’s what many people with dry eye syndrome experience. In many cases, dry eye is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly impact your quality of life and daily activities. The good news is that dry eye syndrome is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment. At Wind City Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Casper, Wyoming to help you find relief and improve your eye health.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and potential damage to the surface of your eyes. Your tear film consists of three layers: an outer oily layer, a middle watery layer, and an inner mucous layer. Each layer plays a crucial role in keeping your eyes moist and protected. When there’s an imbalance in this tear film, dry eye symptoms can occur.
Common dry eye symptoms in Casper, WY
Symptoms of dry eye disease can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Persistent dryness or a gritty sensation in the eyes
- Redness and inflammation of the eyes
- Increased tear production (watery eyes)
- Blurry vision, especially when reading or using screens
- Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia
- A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Causes of dry eyes in Casper, WY
Understanding what’s causing your dry eyes is the first step toward finding relief. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome. These tiny oil glands are located along the edge of your eyelids and produce an oil called meibum. This oil helps to lubricate your eyes and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can affect the quality and quantity of meibum being produced, resulting in dry eye symptoms. Other common causes of dry eyes include:
Aging
As we get older, our tear production naturally slows down, making dry eyes more common as we age.
Environmental factors
Exposure to smoke, wind, or dry air or spending too much time in air-conditioned spaces can dry out your eyes.
Screen time
Constant screen time can lead to decreased blinking, which means less tear production and more dryness.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or thyroid disorders can affect your tear production.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, menopause, or hormone treatments can contribute to dry eye as well.
Medications
Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can cause dry eye as a side effect.
How is dry eye disease diagnosed?
When you come in for an eye exam at Wind City Eye Care, Dr. Porter will start by asking you about your symptoms. Do your eyes feel dry or gritty? Do you experience a burning or stinging sensation? These are all common signs of dry eye disease. He will perform an eye exam to assess your overall eye health and determine if any underlying issues are contributing to your dry eye symptoms. This may include measuring the quantity and quality of your tears, evaluating the surface of your eyes for damage or inflammation, and checking for any other potential causes of your discomfort. These tests can help Dr. Porter pinpoint the specific cause of your dry eye symptoms and tailor a treatment plan to address them effectively.
Dry eye treatment in Casper, WY
Once Dr. Porter has gathered all the necessary information through testing and examination, he will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes, as well as lifestyle changes like taking regular breaks from screens and using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. We offer a range of treatments to address the root cause of your symptoms and get you back to feeling better soon:
Ocular supplements
These nutritional supplements contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help support tear production and improve tear quality, reducing dryness and irritation.
Ophthalmic eye drops
Prescription eye drops can provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms by restoring moisture and reducing inflammation.
Topical and oral medications
Dr. Porter may prescribe certain medications to manage underlying causes of dry eye and relieve symptoms.
Hydrating masks
Moisturizing masks or warm compresses can help hydrate and soothe your eyes, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
Autologous serum eye drops
Autologous serum eye drops are customized eye drops made from the patient’s blood diluted in sterile saline. While it might sound strange, studies show that these eye drops are more effective at relieving dry eye disease symptoms than artificial tears. Your blood serum contains protein and growth factors that promote healing and lubrication of the surface of the eye, particularly in dry eye cases.
We also offer the following treatments for dry eye in our Casper office:
BlephEx® dry eye treatment
OptiLight by Lumenis
Visit our dry eye specialist in Casper
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, don’t ignore them. Reach out to Wind City Eye Care today for help and expert guidance. With the right treatment plan, you can find relief from dry eyes and get back to enjoying clear, comfortable vision. Give us a call today at 307-237-6025 to schedule an appointment.
