Are you suffering from dry eyes? Here are some simple tips on how to ease your symptoms and how your Calgary optometrist can help keep your vision comfortable.
Dry eye syndrome is a very common eye condition that occurs when your eyes don’t make sufficient tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. In most cases, the symptoms of this condition are mild, however, in some patients, dry eye can lead to frustrating symptoms, such as:
- Sore eyes
- Burning/itching eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Excess tearing
Comprehensive Dry Eye Care in Calgary
At Market Mall Optometry, our team of highly qualified optometrists have the knowledge to provide effective dry eye care that will relieve symptoms of this condition, restoring the clarity and comfort to your vision as soon as possible.
Want to know more?
Dry Eye Care at Home: Natural Remedies to Follow
Dry eye tends to occur when a person doesn’t have quality tears to nourish and lubricate the eye. This can be uncomfortable and even painful, with some of the most common symptoms being pain, burning, and red eyes.
While it’s always best to discuss your dry eye with your optometrist, so they can suggest the best course of treatment, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to ease your symptoms. This includes:
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Blink more. Consciously blinking more will help you renew tear film, which is key to protecting and moisturizing your eyes. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time on the computer because using these devices makes the blinking average drop by half.
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Take frequent computer breaks. Today, a large number of jobs require you to sit in front of the computer for hours on a daily basis. Taking breaks to rest your eyes should be used together with intentional and more frequent blinking to keep your eyes moist.
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Consider using a warm compress. Applying a warm and moist compress to your eyelids can help them produce more lipids. This, in turn, will boost your tear quality and relieve some of your symptoms.
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Reconsider the type of contact lenses you use. Even though contact lens materials have improved, lack of oxygen can cause your dry eye symptoms to worsen. Why not give your eyes a break by switching to daily disposable contact lenses or wear your eyeglasses more. (Dry Eye and Contact Lenses >)
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Change your environment. Controlling your environment by keeping the air moist and clean (eg. by using a humidifier) may ease your dry eye symptoms. Try to avoid windy, dry, or smoking places as this may increase your tear evaporation and contribute to uncomfortable vision.
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Make lifestyle changes. Making lifestyle changes, such as forming good sleep habits, following a healthy diet, and lowering your alcohol and caffeine intake is a good way to relieve symptoms of dry eye.
Chronic Dry Eye: How Your Calgary Eye Doctor Can Help
If you are suffering from chronic dry eye, then your eye doctor can offer a wide range of treatments to help keep your eyes and vision healthy and comfortable. Some of these include:
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Prescription eye drops. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops that will reduce inflammation and increase your tear quality, such as Restasis.
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Punctal plugs. This small, dissolvable device is inserted into your tear duct and allows your tears to remain in your eyes for longer.
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Artificial tears. Your eye doctor can give you lubricating tear drops that work to provide immediate, short-term relief from your dry eye.
Enjoy Clear and Comfortable Vision
If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort of dry eye, our Calgary optometrists offer comprehensive dry eye care to keep your vision as clear and comfortable as possible. To learn more, visit our Calgary eye clinic today at 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta T3A 0E2.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 403-286-4884 or book an appointment online.
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