Dry Eye Center

Certified Dry Eye Center

Do you experience fluctuating focus in your vision throughout the day?
Do you notice discomfort, grittiness, or redness upon waking up?
Do you feel increased discomfort upon removing contact lenses at the day's end?
Do you have increased blurred vision after reading or extended digital device use?

Recognizing the prevalence of these symptoms and their impact on daily comfort, the doctors at Eye2Eye delved into their origins. Our commitment lies in identifying the underlying causes of such discomfort to provide effective solutions that best meet your condition.

Discover further details below and arrange a consultation with our doctors for a personalized consultation today.

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision?

Yes, dry eyes can cause your vision to feel blurry. Think of your tear film like windshield wiper fluid; if you don't have enough or if it's not the perfect combination of ingredients, the "window" (your eye) will feel smeared or blurry. A proper evaluation to determine the underlying cause is needed so you don't waste your time using eye drops that don't work.

Can dry eyes cause headaches?

Headaches can arise from various factors, but if you experience fluctuating vision while reading or dry eyes that hinder clear vision while working on a computer, these issues could be contributing factors. Try using the 20-20-20 rule: After 20 minutes of reading, look at a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's a reminder to blink and take a break! If your headaches persist, visit your eye doctor to ensure you don't need a prescription to see far or on the computer.

Which dry eye drops are the best?

Our doctors always recommend preservative-free artificial tears. Preservatives are the number one cause of irritation and sensitivity. When you use drops more than once daily, that preservative builds up on the eye's surface.

Why are my eyes dry when I wake up?

Some common causes of dry eyes when awakening are:
a. using a fan over the area where you sleep
b. not properly removing your eye makeup at night
c. getting eye cream too close to lids and it seeps in while sleeping
c. your eyelids may not be closing correctly when sleeping so that small gap creates an air pocket that dries out
d. using a CPAP mask increases the chance of morning dryness

Make sure to review your symptoms with your eye doctor at your next visit so they can help offer you solutions that help.

Why are my eyes dry when I go to bed?

If you've been on your computer all day, you probably are blinking less often, so your tear film has dried out. Underlying causes like diet, water intake, and autoimmune disease also play a role. Be careful not to have car vents pointed toward your face on your drive home from work!

Why do my eyes feel dry with my contact lenses?

Think of your contact lens like a sponge; it will absorb all the moisture it sits in to perform at its maximum. When your eye is on the borderline of being dry and you wear your lenses, you can trigger the dryness to kick in during the day. Single-use contact lenses, preservative-free contact lens solutions, and brands with high moisture and decreased wear time during the day will help relieve these symptoms.

Dry eyes vs. pink eye?

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is typically associated with a discharge of yellow or green, and it usually starts in one eye and travels to the other. The eye is very red and "gunky." A dry eye may be red but not have a similar discharge, and both eyes are usually affected simultaneously. Monitor your symptoms, and if they do not get better in 24 hours after using preservative-free eye drops, a visit to your eye doctor is recommended to get started on an antibiotic eye drop.

Dry eyes and Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjogren's disease is an autoimmune disorder associated with dry eyes, mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, patients are not diagnosed with all three at the same time, so it's essential to make note of increased dental cavities (from dry mouth), dry eyes that don't improve with treatment, and a family history of autoimmune disorders like Lupus, Crohn's, and arthritis. Your eye doctor will review your medical history to get you started on the correct treatment path.

What to expect during a dry eye consultation

Lid Scan: Our doctor will use imaging to detect if your glands are healthy and performing like they should for optimal tear film production.

Inflammation testing: We can test your tear film to detect if there are levels of inflammation present, which will help determine the correct treatment option.

Tear film evaluation: We will be able to view and monitor your current level of tear production, so we can use it as a baseline for future visits.

Eyelid imaging: Our digital device will photograph your eyelids in high magnification, where the doctor can review your lid margin health and eyelash condition.

Review of current vitamins: Our doctor will ensure you take the correct dosage and type of Omega-3 to give you the best absorption without GI issues and that dreaded fish burp! There are even options for vegans.

What types of treatments for dry eye are available?

Based on the exam findings, a treatment plan will be created to get you on the correct path to natural healing. Ideally, we want your body to start making its own tears, reduce inflammation, and get your eyes looking and feeling better.

a. iLux: iLux is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive solution designed to provide effective relief from dry eyes. This cutting-edge procedure employs a combination of gentle pressure and comforting heat to eliminate blockages within the meibomian glands. Backed by clinical studies, iLux has demonstrated its ability to notably enhance meibomian gland function, offering substantial alleviation from the discomfort of dryness.

b. Zest deep cleansing: Why deep cleanse your lids? Like your dental cleanings, you need a deep cleanse once every 6 months to remove debris that has built up on your lashes. Some patients are more prone than others, and your doctor will take images of your lids to show your stage. This is why more than everyday washing is needed. Debris, like dirt, pollen, and makeup, tends to build up on many patients, and that accumulation causes inflammation and the build-up of Demodex.

This easy in-house procedure uses a cleanser from a natural ingredient, Okra, which is anti-inflammatory and provides impressive results.

c. Medicated eye drops: Combination therapy is usually needed to help your body jump-start back to its natural state. Our doctors will prescribe the best combination of drops to begin your healing journey. Dry eyes are usually a chronic condition, so just like it took a long time to feel the symptoms and get treatments, it sometimes takes a while to get your tear film back to homeostasis. This is why the doctors monitor you closely so that any changes to your treatment plan can be done promptly.

d. Intense Pulse Light: (IPL)
Our IPL treatment is a top choice for many because it's simple and safe. During the treatment, intense light targets the tiny vessels on your face, nose, and around your eyes. These vessels can lead to skin and eye gland inflammation. Treating them once a month for 3 months can reduce inflammation and bring noticeable improvements. This is especially helpful for those with Rosacea, chronic dry eye, or who struggle with medications.

How does IPL work for dry eyes?
IPL treatment for dry eyes works because it has various practical actions, regardless of the underlying cause:

IPL's light energy warms the meibomian glands, making releasing meibum(the oil portion of your tears) easier. This can improve the glands' function and structure.
IPL's light wavelength targets and coagulates abnormal blood vessels, which helps reduce inflammation and release pro-inflammatory substances that cause dry eyes. Perfect for those with Rosacea as well.
IPL treatment lessens demodex mite activity(these usually live near hair follicles like your eyelashes), which can lead to infections.
IPL treatment sends light energy to your cells' powerhouses called mitochondria. This energy helps produce ATP, a molecule like a cell's fuel. This boost in energy is essential for critical tasks in cells, like making collagen and enabling cells to move around.
IPL indirectly breaks the cycle of dry eye inflammation by normalizing tear film osmolarity (tear film balance).