Dry Eyes

Dry eye disease is a common eye condition that affects more than 16 million Americans. Some studies have estimated that the true prevalence of dry eye disease is even higher, ranging from 5 to 50 percent of the population.

Who are at risk of developing dry eye disease?

Contact lens wearers
Women
People age 50 or older
People whose occupations demand prolonged visual tasks, such as reading on computers or tablets
Those with certain nutritional deficiencies, e.g. Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)
People with certain medical conditions, e.g. autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s or Rheumatoid Arthritis
Those who have allergies and/or take certain allergy medications

Dry eye disease can cause a wide range of symptoms

Foreign body sensation
Eye redness
Vision fluctuation and blurry vision
Eye irritation or pain
Excessive tearing
Contact lens intolerance
Burning or stinging sensation of the eye
Tiredness feeling of the eye

What are the causes of dry eye disease?
The causes of dry eye disease are typically multifactorial, and generally can be divided into two categories:

Low production of tears or the tear film is not healthy (aqueous deficiency)
The tear film on the surface of the eye does not stay long enough (evaporative cause).

Most people who suffer from dry eye disease have mixed causes, and their dry eye disease goes hand in hand with Blepharitis - an inflammatory condition of the eyelid and oil glands (meibomian glands).

What are the treatments for dry eye disease?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and exam findings for each individual, and their lifestyle and vision needs, Dr. Tai will customize a treatment plan for each individual. It is important to remember that there is no cure for dry eye disease, but there are treatment plans with a step-wise approach that will provide significant improvement of dry eye symptoms and prevent further damage to the vision and eyes. Dry eye disease often requires maintenance treatments, and Dr. Tai will partner with you to formulate a personalized treatment plan that you can continue long term to keep your eyes healthy.

A few examples of treatment options:

OTC Preservative-Free Artificial tears
Prescription Dry Eye Treatment Medications
Omega 3 Oil
iLUX Treatment
At Home Blepharitis Treatment
Tear Duct Plugs

Your journey to your best vision starts here.

  Call to schedule an appointment or consultation today

  Athena Eye Care
  26800 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 340
  Mission Viejo, CA 92691

  phone# (949) 889-2020

  Mon 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  Tues 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  Wed 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  Thurs 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  Sat Closed
  Sun Closed

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