Posted on

How is Lazy Eye Treated in Adults

Amblyopia, which is also colloquially referred to as lazy eye, is a condition that can impact people of all ages. While it’s more common in children, adults can develop it later in life for various reasons. Additionally, some people may have had lazy eye for most of their lives but weren’t in a position to receive treatment until they reached adulthood.  

Fortunately, there are effective amblyopia treatment options that work well in adults. Here’s a quick overview of what lazy eye involves, as well as an overview of how amblyopia in adults is typically treated.  

What Is Amblyopia?  

Amblyopia is an eye condition primarily characterized by poor eye teaming, meaning a person’s eyes aren’t working well together and won’t always point in the same direction. When the eyes are misaligned with one another, one or both eyes may struggle to see clearly.  

However, lazy eye isn’t solely characterized by a physical misalignment. Instead, the condition can cause vision loss due to the brain not fully acknowledging visual stimuli from both eyes. Essentially, it favors visual information from one eye over the other, causing it to functionally ignore stimuli that are primarily received through the weaker eye.   

Since how the brain processes visual information may be limited in individuals with amblyopia, glasses or other corrective lenses aren’t always sufficient to ensure good vision. Instead, other treatment approaches may be necessary.  

How Lazy Eye Is Treated in Adults  

Since amblyopia involves the brain not properly processing visual stimuli, treatment beyond corrective lenses is often necessary. Even in adults, it’s possible to functionally retrain the brain to interpret the visual signals correctly, leading to improved visual acuity. Additionally, physical alignment issues are often correctable, including in adults. Again, that allows treatment to improve a patient’s vision.  

In many cases, vision therapy is beneficial for treating amblyopia. Typically, it involves a series of activities or exercises designed to develop a person’s eye teaming or binocular vision.  

For some, eye patching is a potential course of action. By fogging or blocking the favored eye, it’s possible to force the weaker eye to carry more visual load, effectively teaching the brain to rely on it more for vision.  

Getting the Amblyopia Treatment You Need  

While there is plenty of information online that discusses patching techniques or exercises to correct lazy eye, relying on them is risky. Every patient’s condition is unique, and an approach that works well for some may cause harm to others.  

As a result, the best strategy is to work with your eye care provider to determine which treatment options are best for your amblyopia. Your eye care provider can select exercises or patching approaches that specifically address your unique situation, leading to better results while reducing risk dramatically.  

Find an Ophthalmologist in WNY 

At ECVA, safeguarding the well-being of your eyes is our unwavering commitment. If you’re navigating the challenges of amblyopia or if it’s been a while since your last eye checkup, our dedicated team is ready to guide you on the path to optimal eye health. Don’t let uncertainty linger – take charge and schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Your vision deserves the best care, right here in Buffalo. 

Family looking at eyeglasses
Posted on

Beyond Eye Drops: The Advantages of Durysta Implant for Glaucoma Treatment

To put it simply, a glaucoma diagnosis is intimidating for many patients. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. While there’s no cure for glaucoma, there are treatment options designed to help preserve your vision, including Durysta.  

Durysta is a newer treatment option for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) that also works for ocular hypertension (OHT). It’s a bimatoprost intracameral implant that’s FDA-approved, and Durysta works by releasing bimatoprost – a medication that combats high eye pressure – slowly over time.  

When looking for a glaucoma treatment, Durysta offers several advantages over many alternatives, particularly eye drops. Here’s a look at what patients can gain by choosing the Durysta implant for glaucoma treatment.  

Durysta Offers Better Effectiveness 

While eye drops are an approved treatment for glaucoma, using that approach prevents all of the medication from reaching the impacted tissues. With glaucoma, intraocular pressure typically builds in the posterior or back of the eye, not the surface where eye drops are applied. As a result, not all of the medications reach the affected tissues.  

One of the most distinct benefits patients experience when using the Durysta implant instead of eye drops is better efficacy. With Durysta, the implant is positioned to ensure medications are able to reach impacted tissues more reliably than eye drops. That makes it highly effective at reducing intraocular pressure and leads to better overall results.  

Improved Stability with Durysta  

When eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, the presence of the medication declines over time until the eye drops are reapplied. As a result, patients may experience fluctuations in intraocular pressure. Additionally, if they forget to apply the eye drops according to the schedule, more significant fluctuations can occur.  

The Durysta implant ensures that medication is steadily released over time. This creates greater stability when it comes to eye pressure, even overnight. The implant provides stability for a minimum of four to six months, though patients may experience lower pressure up to 24 months after insertion.  

Durysta Is Simpler for Patients  

One of the challenges of using eye drops to treat glaucoma is the need for frequent applications. While the frequency of use does vary depending on a patient’s needs, some may need to apply the eye drops up to four times daily. That’s a potentially challenging schedule to maintain, particularly for people who are on the go or may struggle with remembering to use the medication.  

With the Durysta implant, patients don’t need to take action to ensure they’re getting the treatment. Once inserted, Durysta slowly releases the medication on its own. As a result, it’s far simpler for patients to use, as once it’s in place, no further effort is typically required.  

See The Best Doctors in Buffalo for Glaucoma Treatment

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma and want to see if the Durysta implant is right for you or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

Diabetic Eye Disease and Vitreoretinal Surgery: Navigating Treatment Options

Diabetic eye disease like diabetic retinopathy can permanently alter a person’s vision, leading to vision loss or, in severe cases, blindness. With diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels in the eye weaken. At times, that can lead vessels to bulge and leak, and the latter can cause fluids to enter various parts of the eye, causing retinal tissue swelling. As those tissues are impacted, visual acuity changes, and any damage caused is potentially irreversible.  

However, treating diabetic eye disease can slow or prevent future eye changes, allowing a person to limit their vision loss. One such option is vitreoretinal surgery, also known as vitrectomy, but different paths are also available.  

Here’s a look at vitreoretinal surgery and a few other treatments for diabetic eye disease, as well as what you can do to navigate your treatment options.  

Vitreoretinal Surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy 

Vitreoretinal surgery is a procedure that’s often used in the treatment of advanced diabetic retinopathy. While it isn’t a cure for diabetic retinopathy, it can slow its progression and may reverse some of its impact, causing your vision to possibly improve, stabilize, or avoid significant ongoing losses.  

With a vitrectomy, your eye care provider addresses vitreous gel clouding that can occur when blood vessels leak by removing impacted tissue and replacing it with a clear artificial substitute. In many cases, replacing the cloudy vitreous gel with a clear artificial solution leads to significant vision improvement.  

During the procedure, your eye care provider will also remove built-up scar tissue that’s developed in the eye. Scar tissue can pull on the retina, leading to visual distortions and increasing the chances of a retinal detachment. As a result, scar tissue removal can lead to vision improvements and reduce the risk of retinal detachment.  

Other Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

Generally, vitreoretinal surgery is reserved for advanced diabetic retinopathy cases. Other treatment options may provide positive results if your case isn’t that severe. For example, blood sugar management could prevent further damage, which may make additional treatment unnecessary.  

For more severe cases, medication injections involving vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors can help prevent abnormal blood vessel development that can occur with diabetic retinopathy and reduce fluid buildup. Focal laser or scatter laser treatment – also known as photocoagulation – can also slow or stop blood vessel leakage or shrink abnormal vessels, making them a viable option in some cases.  

How to Navigate Your Treatment Options

Selecting a treatment option after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy is often intimidating. Fortunately, by working with your eye care provider, you can receive critical guidance and support that makes selecting an appropriate approach easier. 

Your eye care provider can look at the details of your situation, identifying treatment options that are both viable and have the highest chances of making a positive impact. They can also answer questions to help you understand the recommendations, ensuring you can find the best treatment option for you.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, are concerned you may develop diabetic eye disease, or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

The Role of Genetics in Eye Health: Understanding Inherited Eye Conditions

Some eye conditions are related to specific genetic markers. As a result, these eye conditions can be inherited. By understanding what conditions have genetic factors, it’s easier to anticipate your risk of developing them. In turn, it can help you take a more proactive approach to your eye health, which can make a significant difference in overall outcomes.

Here is a look at some common eye conditions that can be linked to genetics.

Myopia and Hyperopia

Both myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) can have a genetic component. Anyone with a first-degree relative with either condition is significantly more likely to develop it than individuals without family members with the condition.

Research involving myopia in children also demonstrates that specific demographics are more likely to develop the condition. For example, one study showed the prevalence is far higher in South Asian children, coming in at nine times greater than among white Europeans.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, as the condition can permanently damage the optic nerve due to increased pressure in the eye. Having a family history of glaucoma puts you at far greater risk, making you four to nine times more likely to develop the condition.

Additionally, people of Hispanic descent are at greater risk than those of European descent. Individuals of Asian descent have a heightened risk of angle-closure glaucoma than other demographics. Glaucoma is also up to eight times more prevalent in the African-American community than in the Caucasian community.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – an eye condition that leads to a damaged macula, which causes a reduction in central vision – also seemingly has a genetic component. According to research, an estimated 20 percent of patients with AMD have a family member with the condition, and having a family history makes you four times more likely to develop AMD.

Studies also suggest that Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD than African Americans. Data on whether individuals of Hispanic descent are more or less likely to develop AMD than Caucasians is conflicting, with some reports showing a higher occurrence while others a lower one.

Cataracts

While cataracts are common as people age, specific occurrences of the condition have genetic components. Congenital or childhood bilateral cataracts autosomal dominant inheritance was present among 44 percent of cases examined in one particular study.

Specific ethnic heritages are also at greater risk of developing cataracts in general. For example, African Americans and Latinx Americans are at greater risk than Caucasian Americans.

While a genetic predisposition to specific eye conditions is often concerning, being proactive makes a difference. Proper care and monitoring can lead to an earlier diagnosis, allowing for treatment plans that can slow disease progression and preserve eye health and vision.

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re concerned about whether you’re developing an eye condition with a genetic component or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

Posted on

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for the Whole Family

The start of the school year is on the horizon, so many households are taking the time to get ready for the upcoming academic year. One critical part of that equation is a back-to-school eye exam, ensuring children are able to see clearly when they’re in class. 

However, regular eye exams aren’t just critical for students; they’re essential for the whole family. Here’s why. 

Early Detection of Vision Problems 

Regular eye exams allow for the early detection of vision problems, ensuring prompt intervention and treatment. In children, undetected vision issues can lead to difficulties in school, delayed development, and social challenges. By scheduling regular eye exams for children, parents can identify and address vision problems early on, preventing any potential negative impacts on their education and overall well-being. 

For parents, regular eye exams can detect age-related eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Many of these conditions don’t produce noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making comprehensive eye exams critical for early diagnosis and timely treatment. 

Prevention and Management of Eye Conditions 

Eye exams are not just about identifying existing vision problems; they also play a crucial role in preventing eye issues and managing existing conditions. Eye care providers can assess your eye health, evaluate risk factors, and provide guidance on preventive measures that’s customized based on your unique needs. 

Regular eye exams are also crucial for individuals with existing eye problems. These exams help monitor for changes caused by the conditions. In turn, it’s easier to identify treatments that can resolve issues or prevent further deterioration and begin them as quickly as possible. 

Prescription Updates 

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, regular eye exams ensure that your prescriptions are current. Vision changes typically occur gradually, and you might not even realize that your visual acuity is shifting. Regular eye exams help identify changes in your vision and allow your eye care provider to update prescriptions as needed to maintain proper visual acuity. 

Overall Health Assessment 

Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and certain autoimmune diseases can lead to specific eye-related changes. During an eye exam, your eye care provider can identify abnormalities – such as changes in blood vessels, optic nerve damage, or deposits in the eyes – that may indicate underlying health issues. By catching these signs early, individuals can seek appropriate medical care and manage these conditions effectively. 

Setting a Good Example 

Regular eye exams for the whole family set a positive example for children and emphasize the importance of proactive healthcare. When children see their parents prioritizing proper eye care, they’re more likely to value and prioritize their own vision as they grow older. By making regular eye exams a family practice, you instill lifelong habits of self-care and promote overall well-being. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re preparing for back-to-school season or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Family looking at eyeglasses
Posted on

Myths About UV Protection and Your Eyes

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful, including to your eyes. Since July is UV safety month, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can protect your eyes from this damaging form of radiation. To help you get started, we’re going to dispel some common misconceptions and myths about UV protection and your eyes. Here’s what you need to know. 

Myth: All Sunglasses Protect Against UV Rays 

Sunglasses don’t inherently protect against UV rays unless they have coatings designed to offer that protection. When selecting sunglasses, look for pairs that list UV-blocking capabilities on the lenses, preferably with a very high percentage, with 100 percent protection being the best option. 

Myth: Polarized Lenses Offer UV Protection 

While sunglasses can be polarized and offer UV protection, the fact that they’re polarized isn’t what blocks UV light. Instead, polarized lenses only cut back on glare. As a result, it’s critical to make sure that the product information lists that the lenses block UV light. 

Myth: You Only Need UV Protection on Sunny Days 

While clouds may reduce the amount of UV rays that reach you, the reduction is very limited. That means you’re eyes are still exposed to a significant amount of UV light when it’s overcast, so wearing UV-blocking sunglasses is still recommended. 

Myth: You Don’t Need UV-Blocking Sunglasses When in a Vehicle 

While it’s true that many vehicle windshields block the vast majority of UV rays, side windows don’t offer the same level of protection. As a result, it’s best to wear UV-blocking sunglasses when in a vehicle to adequately protect your eyes. 

Myth: Full-Spectrum UV Protection Sunglasses Are Expensive 

Full-spectrum UV-blocking sunglasses are available at practically any price point, and there are many highly affordable options on the market. Often, it’s possible to find a suitable pair for less than $20 at big box stores or through online retailers. 

Even prescription sunglasses with UV protection often cost less than most people assume. As a result, it’s possible to cover that need with prescription lenses without spending much more than you would on regular prescription glasses. 

Myth: Darker Lens Tints Offer More UV Protection 

How dark sunglass lenses are tinted doesn’t impact the level of UV protection. Instead, it only alters how much visible light reaches your eyes. As a result, any lens that offers a high percentage of UV-blocking will perform similarly to others when it comes to shielding your eyes from harmful rays, regardless of how dark the tint is on the lens. 

Myth: UV Damage Is Reversible 

In most cases, UV damage to the eye is functionally cumulative, causing it to add up over time. Additionally, most of the harm is irreversible once it occurs. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re concerned about possible damage to your eyes caused by UV exposure or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Posted on

How Can I Fix My Vision Problems?

If you’re experiencing shifts in your visual acuity, you may wonder if there are steps you can take to fix the vision problems you’re noticing. While many vision issues require treatment from an eye care provider, there are steps you can take to ensure your eye health. In some cases, that may even resolve specific kinds of problems that are impacting your vision.  

Fortunately, many of the recommended steps are relatively simple to follow. Here’s a look at some things you can do to correct or avoid specific vision problems.  

Eat a Healthy Diet  

Specific vitamins and minerals are critical for eye health, and some may even prevent or slow the development of certain eye conditions that can rob you of your vision. Generally, eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to ensure you get the nutrients you need. For example, they can help make sure that you’re consuming enough lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Enjoying food with omega-3 fatty acids is also recommended for good eye health.  

Maintain a Healthy Weight  

Maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact your eyes in several ways. First, it may lower the likelihood that you’ll develop Type 2 diabetes, which can harm the blood vessels in your eye and lead to conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, it may lead to better circulation, lower blood pressure, and other health benefits that are also helpful if you want to preserve your vision.  

Properly Manage Health Conditions  

A variety of health conditions can harm your eyes and vision if they aren’t adequately managed. Type 2 diabetes is one example, as uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy. High blood pressure can also damage your eyes, as well as conditions connected to chronic inflammation. By following your treatment regimen, you are more likely to address the concerning symptoms, reducing the odds of eye damage.  

Wear Protective Eyewear  

Protective eyewear, like safety goggles, reduces your odds of experiencing eye injuries that can harm your vision. Plus, goggles reduce your chances of accidental chemical exposure that could damage your eyes.  

Sunglasses can offer some light physical protection, too. However, they’re also able to block harmful UV rays if you choose lenses with UV-blocking technology. Since UV damage is connected to conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and others, it’s a simple way to reduce your odds of developing a vision-impacting condition.  

Regular Eye Exams  

Regular eye exams are a critical part of the equation if you want to see clearly. By keeping up with your annual appointments, your eye care provider can identify changes that may require specific treatments. Additionally, they can ensure your prescription lenses are up-to-date, leading to better visual acuity.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re concerned about your vision or eye health, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed?

Cornea damage can impact patients in a variety of ways. It may lead to vision changes, preventing you from seeing clearly. Often, damage to the cornea alters how your eyes focus and filter light, leading to issues like blurriness or glare. 

Additionally, cornea damage might cause irritation or pain in varying degrees. While some of it may be relatively mild, these symptoms may also be severe, potentially to the point of making it difficult to enjoy daily life. 

Cornea damage can occur in several ways. Degenerative conditions and infections are two examples, though they aren’t the only potential causes. However, whether a surgical treatment option like a cornea transplant is wise varies. If you’re wondering what a cornea transplant is and when a cornea transplant is necessary, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Cornea Transplant? 

A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure. It involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with tissue from a donor. 

The extent of the procedure is often determined by the amount of damage. A full-thickness corneal transplant – also called a penetrating keratoplasty – replaces every layer of the cornea, and it’s used to treat the most severe kinds of cornea damage. 

Partial thickness cornea transplants (lamellar keratoplasty) involve replacing the outer and middle layers, making it a better choice for moderate damage. For those with certain medical conditions – such as Fuchs’ dystrophy – an inner layer corneal transplant (endothelial keratoplasty) may be the better choice. 

Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the procedure, ranging from several weeks to a year or more for a full recovery. However, even with longer recoveries, returning to your daily activities is typically an option well before full recovery occurs. 

Generally, full-thickness corneal transplants take longer to recover from than the other surgical options. Inner layer corneal transplants often have the shortest recovery, while partial thickness cornea transplants fall in the middle.  

Ultimately, your eye care provider will discuss treatment options with you, including recommending the best type of corneal transplant for your situation if one is potentially necessary. 

When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed? 

Whether a cornea transplant is needed depends on the type of damage. Only certain forms of cornea damage may require surgery to correct, as others can be treated with less invasive options like corrective lenses. 

In most cases, the situations that make a corneal transplant necessary include specific medical conditions, such as keratoconus, keratitis, or Fuchs’ dystrophy. However, damage caused by infections -if it leads to scarring – may make a patient a good candidate for a cornea transplant, as well. 

At times, previous eye surgeries may have led to corneal damage, potentially to the point where a transplant is a wise choice. Similarly, patients with trichiasis – where the eyelashes grow inward – can experience damage to the cornea, which makes a corneal transplant a necessity. 

Ultimately, if you’re a potential candidate for a cornea transplant, your eye care provider will discuss why they’re making the recommendation. Additionally, they’ll outline what you can expect during and after the procedure, allowing you to determine if moving forward is right for you. 

Eye Care in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are a potential candidate for a cornea transplant and want more information or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Our eye care specialists in Western New York can be found at any of our four locations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Williamsville, and Orchard Park. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Posted on

Things Your Ophthalmologist Wishes You Knew

Maintaining proper eye health throughout the course of your life is essential. By doing so, you can potentially preserve your vision and get the correct lenses at the right time, potentially allowing you to avoid issues like eye strain and headaches.  

While most people know that eye care is essential, many do go beyond that. With that in mind, here are a few things that your ophthalmologist wishes you knew.  

Having Regular Appointments Is Always Important  

When it comes to medical needs, many people overlook their eye health. They might assume that vision changes are only common in the young, causing them to stop checking if theirs is changing. Others may figure that they won’t develop certain conditions until they’re well into retirement, when the reality can be quite different.  

Unless they notice a significant change in their vision, some adults may simply assume that they’re fine, causing them to bypass routine appointments. However, forgoing eye care is dangerous. Regular appointments can identify certain health conditions – like cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma – before they cause irreversible damage. As a result, you can preserve your vision longer.  

Regular appointments allow you to update your glasses or contacts prescription as needed. In some cases, subtle vision changes over time aren’t noticeable to the patient, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t negatively impacting their quality of life or leading to side effects like eye strain. You can ensure your vision is always at its best by routinely seeing your ophthalmologist.  

That Protective Eyewear Is Worth It  

Protective eyewear is often undervalued. Whether it’s sunglasses to block UV light, sports goggles that can limit your odds of an injury, or safety glasses for DIY projects or work, that protection matters.  

Physical eye injuries can be incredibly serious. They can lead to temporary or permanent vision damage. In some cases, a strike to the eye or the surrounding area or chemical exposure can even lead to blindness. UV light can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and skin cancer along the eyelids.  

Ultimately, protective eyewear literally helps shield your eyes from harm. As a result, it’s wise to use it whenever possible, even if it isn’t technically required.  

How Harmful Screen Time Is for Everyone  

Screen time isn’t great for your eyes, even in short durations, though prolonged exposure usually poses a greater risk. Spending hours a day working at a computer, using a smartphone, or watching television can lead to issues like eye strain. Plus, blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns.  

People also typically blink less when they’re using an electronic device. This can cause issues with eye dryness or may make dry eye harder to manage for those with the condition.   

Ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing vision changes or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. As one of the top eye care practices in Western New York, we have offices in Buffalo, Williamsville, Orchard Park, and Niagara Falls. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

Posted on

Are Dry Eyes Serious?

Dry eye is a relatively common condition where tear production doesn’t sufficiently keep the eye lubricated. The cause can vary, though it usually falls into one of two categories. First, the eye may not produce enough tears. Second, the tear composition may not provide enough lubrication, even if the quantity is high.  

For those that have dry eyes, finding relief is typically a priority. However, it’s also common to wonder whether dry eye is a serious condition. If you’re wondering whether you should be concerned about your dry eyes, what treatment options are available, and whether you should see your eye care provider, here’s what you need to know.  

Are Dry Eyes Serious?  

Dry eyes can be a serious condition for several reasons. First, the discomfort they cause can be disruptive to daily life. Itching, burning, and stinging eyes are distracting at a minimum. Second, they can harm visual acuity, as focusing may become challenging.  

Finally, dry eyes can increase a person’s odds of developing certain medical conditions. Your risk of an eye infection generally increases. In some cases, abnormal blood vessel development can happen. Scarring and corneal thinning are also possible side effects. In any of these scenarios, permanent vision changes may occur, especially if the dry eyes are left untreated.  

Home Treatments for Dry Eyes  

If you have mild to moderate dry eye, some home treatments may be viable. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are the most common option, as they’re readily available and reasonably affordable.  

Other steps may also help. For example, limiting screen time can help. People tend to blink less when viewing screens, which can make dry eyes worse. Having a humidifier may also help, particularly if you live in a dry climate or during the winter when heaters are in use. This increases the amount of moisture in the air, which can slow tear evaporation.  

Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors can make a difference, too. That helps keep irritants out of the eye and shields your eyes from the wind. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids could also potentially provide some relief.  

Ophthalmic Treatments for Dry Eyes  

If you have moderate to severe dry eye, certain ophthalmic treatments may be more effective than home remedies. There are several prescription eye drops that can treat potential causes of dry eyes. These can include anti-inflammatories, steroids, immunosuppressants, and more.  

Certain other medications might work in specific scenarios. For example, there are oral tear-stimulating drugs that can increase tear production. You may also be a strong candidate for eye inserts that work similarly to artificial tears.  

Punctal plugs that intentionally block tear-draining ducts to keep tears in your eyes longer may be a viable treatment option. Medical procedures that unblock clogs tear glands might be worth considering as well.   

When to See Your Eye Care Provider  

Generally, if your dry eye symptoms are disruptive and don’t improve after using home remedies, it’s best to see your eye care provider. They can examine your eyes to determine the potential cause, allowing them to develop an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.