Dry Eye Treatment in Thornton: A Solution for Colorado’s Harsh Climate
Living in Colorado’s dry climate can take a toll on your eyes. Dry eye, a common condition, affects over half of the population and can range from a mild annoyance to a chronic issue that impacts your quality of life. Fortunately, at Vista Eye Care in Thornton, we offer advanced solutions to help you manage and treat this condition effectively.
According to the National Institute of Health, dry eye affects as much as 54.3% of the population. Our doctors here at Vista Eye Care estimate this prevalence to be higher given Colorado’s dry air and cold Winter temperatures.
For some, dry eye is a minor nuisance, but for others, this condition can lead to a chronic misery that affects their quality of life. Fortunately, advances in technology for the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye now allows for precise diagnosis of the cause of a patient’s dry eye and carefully directs the treatment for maximum effectiveness.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears produced lack the necessary quality to keep your eyes lubricated. It’s more than just occasional discomfort — it can lead to redness, irritation, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, making daily tasks challenging.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is the first step toward finding relief. Common symptoms include:
- A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of having something in your eyes (grittiness)
- Excessive tearing, which might seem counterintuitive but is often a sign of poor tear quality
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Common Risk Factors for Dry Eye
Certain factors make some people more prone to developing dry eye:
- Age: Older adults, especially those over 65, are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms.
- Gender: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or from oral contraceptives make women more susceptible.
- Medications: Drugs like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can decrease tear production.
- Medical Conditions: Health issues like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders often contribute to dry eye.
- Environment: Colorado's dry air, wind, and high altitudes accelerate tear evaporation. Screen time and not blinking enough can worsen symptoms.
- Lifestyle: Contact lens wearers and those who've had refractive surgery like LASIK may experience reduced tear production.
Advanced Diagnostics at Vista Eye Care
Once our team of experts determine the type of dry eye you're experiencing, we tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs. For those with poor tear quality caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, LipiFlow is a game-changer. This innovative treatment uses thermal pulsation to unblock meibomian glands, improving tear quality and providing long-lasting relief.
For patients with tear production issues, our team might recommend prescription medications or minor procedures like punctal plugs, which help your eyes retain natural tears.
Other treatment options include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production
- Specialized eyelid hygiene regimens to manage blepharitis
- Nutritional supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, to improve tear quality
Experience Relief with an Ocular Surface Disease Evaluation (OSDE)
At Vista Eye Care, we view dry eye as a component of a broader issue: ocular surface disease. That’s why our comprehensive dry eye clinic is designed to pinpoint and treat the root causes of your discomfort. During your OSDE, our experts assess your tear quality, eyelid function, and overall eye health to develop a customized plan.
Find Your Solution at Vista Eye Care
Don’t let dry eye hold you back from living your best life. With advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge treatments, Vista Eye Care is here to help. Schedule your Ocular Surface Disease Evaluation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Call us at (303) 450-2020 to book your appointment or visit our website for more information.