Comprehensive Dry Eye Care
Dry eye is a common condition that can cause eye fatigue, watery eyes, eye irritation, or blurry vision. At Clarion Optometry Group, our main focus when it comes to dry eye is finding a treatment option that works for you.
We offer a variety of treatments, including OptiLight by Lumenis, punctal plugs, and more conventional treatments like artificial tears.
Our team considers various factors, such as tear production and quality, environmental factors, and screen time, to develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your dry eyes.
If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, contact us today and discover how we can help.
Book AppointmentThe Details of Dry Eye
Tear production plays an essential role in preventing dry eye. Dry eye can occur when something goes wrong with your tear production, or the glands that create tears become inflamed.
Your tears are made of 3 layers:
- The oily outer layer
- The watery middle layer
- The inner mucus layer
We can examine your eyes and find a treatment to address the cause of your symptoms during your dry eye assessment.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Dry Eye
Inflammation of the glands that line your eyelids can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD can reduce oil production in your tears, causing the watery layer to evaporate and leading to dryness.
When MGD occurs, the oils that your meibomian glands produce can thicken and clog the glands, resulting in inflammation, eyelid irritation, and dry eye symptoms such as watery eyes and a scratchy sensation.
We offer treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and eyelid cleaning to help you get relief from MGD.
Dry Eye Can Affect Anyone
Dry eye disease can affect all of us, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition, including:
- Spending a lot of time using digital screens
- Wearing contact lenses without proper care
- Using eye makeup daily
Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of dry eye disease. Yucca Valley can get very dry and windy throughout the year, so our patients may be more likely to experience dryness and eye irritation due to these conditions.
Our Dry Eye Treatments
We pride ourselves on providing dry eye treatment options that are helpful and practical. Our experienced team works with you to find a treatment option that addresses your specific needs.
We offer in-office treatments like OptiLight by Lumenis and punctal plugs, along with treatments you can add to your daily routine, such as artificial tears and eyelid cleaning.
OptiLight by Lumenis
OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.
The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny silicone, collagen, or acrylic devices that can be inserted into your tear ducts to reduce tear loss. These devices help keep tears from leaving the surface of your eyes too quickly. Punctal plugs are available in semi-permanent and temporary or dissolving designs.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are over-the-counter eye drops you can use at home to help soothe mild cases of dry eyes. Low-viscosity artificial tears are watery and can provide quick relief. In comparison, high-viscosity artificial tears are gel-like and may provide longer-lasting relief.
Eyelid Cleaning
Eyelid cleaning is a crucial aspect of managing dry eye symptoms. Removing blocked oils and debris can help improve the overall health of your eyes and prevent dry eye from recurring.
There are various methods for eyelid cleaning, including using scrubs, wipes, and warm compresses. Applying a wet, warm cloth over your eyes for at least 5 minutes can effectively cleanse your eyelids.
Another option is using a warm compress, which can relax the eyes, add moisture, and open the meibomian glands to improve oil flow.
Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye
Scleral contact lenses are larger than traditional contacts and rest on the sclera, or white, of your eyes. These lenses allow for extra space over your cornea’s surface for extra breathability and create a fluid reservoir between your lens and cornea, which can help relieve dry eyes.
Scleral lenses can be an excellent option if traditional contact lenses aren’t compatible with your eyes due to issues like dry eye and keratoconus.
We offer fittings and lens options for hard-to-fit corneas to help you find a comfortable, compatible lens type for your eyes.
Get Dry Eye Relief Today
Dry eye symptoms can put a dent in your productivity, and we want to help you move on with your day with comfort. Our team takes the time to understand your dry eye symptoms and find a treatment option that works for you.
Don’t allow dry eyes to derail your day—contact us to schedule an appointment.
Book Appointment