Do You Feel Burning And Itchiness In Your Eyes?

You May Have Dry Eyes…
If you suspect that you may have dry eyes, ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do your eyes feel gritty?
  • ​Are they sensitive to light?
  • ​Do you have difficulty wearing contact lenses?
  • ​Do your eyes have a burning, scratchy, or stinging feeling?
Dry eyes are common and can become a chronic problem most often associated with older adults. Dry eyes will usually occur when the eye’s tear production and quality isn't balanced. Unfortunately, most patients don’t know that specialists for dry eyes are available to help them or don’t know how these services will benefit them.

Without getting a formal diagnosis, most people will dismiss their symptoms as a result of getting older or spending too much time in front of screens. Due to this, 16 million Americans are known to have Dry Eye but many individuals remain unaccounted for.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes may occur when the drainage and tear production in the eyes don’t have a balance. As a result, those with dry eyes will either produce tears of poor quality or won’t produce enough tears. There is a wide range of reasons in how dry eyes can develop, including: 
  • Gender: Women have a higher rate of developing dry eyes as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or when using oral contraceptives.
  • Age: Getting dry eyes are a part of our natural aging process, which is more prevalent in people aged 65 years old or over. 
  • Medications: Some medicines such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants can decrease the production of tears.
  • Environmental conditions: Too much exposure to wind, smoke, and dry climates may increase the evaporation of tears leading to dry eyes. Failing to blink regularly or staring into computer screens for extended periods may also contribute to dry eyes.
  • Medical conditions: People who have the following conditions may be more susceptible to dry eyes:
    - Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) - Research shows that 80% of those with dry eye suffer from this condition.
    - Blepharitis/Demodex
    - Diabetes
    - Lupus
    - Acne Rosacea
    - Sjogren’s Syndrome
    - Thyroid disorder
    - Rheumatoid arthritis
    Moreover, problems associated with inflammation of the eyelids, as well as inflammation of the eye’s surface may also cause dry eyes.
  • Other factors: Apart from the causes listed above, long-term use of contact lenses may also contribute to dry eyes. Various kinds of eye surgeries such as cataract surgery or LASIK may impact the eye’s surface, leading to dry eyes. 

Dry Eye in Younger People

As you may already know, too much screen time and being glued to any form of gadget with a screen can become a factor in the prevalence of dry eye. As a result, digital eye strain has more and more young people reporting dry eye symptoms. 

According to a survey, more patients have been confirmed to have screen-related eye problems, while 88% cited using smartphones as the leading cause of the rise in dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes 

Patients with dry eyes may experience various symptoms, including: 
  • Watery eyes
  • Red eyes
  • Burning eyes
  • Stinging
  • Itchy eyes
  • Discomfort
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurry vision
  • Stringy mucus from the eye

Diagnosis

Dry eyes are usually diagnosed using an extensive eye examination. This usually involves testing for the quantity and quality of tears produced from the eyes, where the evaluation may include:
  • The patient’s history to see their symptoms and to make note of any general health problems, environmental factors, or medications that could contribute to the problem. 
  • An evaluation of the cornea and eyelids using the latest technology in dry eye.
  • An external examination of the eyes, including blink dynamics, life structure and facial skin. 
With the information gathered through these tests, a doctor of optometry will be able to diagnose if you have dry eyes and will provide you with treatment options. However, if left untreated, advanced dry eyes may damage the surface of the eye, leading to impaired vision.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

Unfortunately, many people that suffer from dry eyes simply believe that this is a condition they just have to live with. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options available for dry eyes, and if detected early, this process is straightforward. The treatment for dry eyes is meant to maintain or restore the quality of tears in the eyes to minimize any discomfort or dryness.

At Nostalgic Dry Eye Spa, we offer a range of the latest diagnostics and treatments for dry eyes. Using the latest FDA-approved technology to accurately pinpoint the cause of your dry eye condition. We also provide custom treatment plans to ensure that you get relief from the underlying cause of your dry eye problem.

Some of our best dry eye treatments include:

LidPro

This process aims to treat Anterior blepharitis, which affects the outside of the eye, where our eyelashes are attached to the eyelid. The LidPro is built with an ergonomic design, which allows for comfort when treating both your upper and lower eyelids. With silicone disposable cleaning discs and a fast-spinning action, it effectively exfoliates the eyelids to keep them clean and healthy.

Intense Pulse Light

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is traditionally used in cosmetic procedures for the treatment of skin conditions on the face such as acne rosacea. At the same time, it also effectively treats Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and chronic dry eye. In recent years, IPL therapy has become a groundbreaking treatment for these conditions.

Low-Level Light Therapy

Our Equinox Low-Level Light Therapy provides a strong and unique kind of treatment. Apart from being a non-invasive kind of treatment, it is also painless and stress-free for the Meibomian Gland. This dry eye treatment comes in various treatment styles and can treat various areas of the eyelids.

Other Forms of Treatment 

Because dry eyes can become a chronic condition, a doctor may prescribe you other kinds of treatment to keep your vision intact and to keep them healthy. Some of the more basic approaches for managing dry eyes include:
  • Adding tears through over-the-counter artificial tear solutions: In mild cases of dry eyes, a patient can often manage their condition with over-the-counter artificial solutions. These can be used as much as required to help with natural tear production. Preservative-free solutions are recommended since they have fewer additives, which may further irritate your eyes. 
  • Treating ocular surface inflammation: A doctor may recommend prescription ointments or eye drops, lid massage, warm compress, and even eyelid cleaners to help reduce the inflammation around your eyes.
  • Conserving tears: Keeping your natural tears in your eyes for longer may help decrease the symptoms of dry eyes. You can do this by blocking the tear ducts where your tears would normally drain. Your tear ducts can be blocked by using small gel-like or silicone plugs that can be attached and removed as needed.
  • Increase tear production: A doctor may prescribe you eye drops to encourage tear production. You may also be given omega fatty acids and various vitamins to treat dry eyes.

You Don’t Have to Live with Dry Eyes! 

There’s no need to suffer from dry eye like the others who assume that it’s part of their life and that it’s here to stay. At Nostalgic Dry Eye Spa, we’ve got all the latest and best treatments that will help to get rid of the pain for good! If you’re tired of managing your dry eye symptoms, don’t wait and find relief with us today.

We provide non-invasive treatments such as our Low-Level Light therapy is the Number 1 choice of our patients because it addresses the root cause of dry eye: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). With this treatment, you never have to do anything to help manage your symptoms. After a few sessions with us, you will never have to rely on a warm compress or artificial tears again.
Furthermore, we also have an alternative option, which is our IPL Therapy. We’ve invested in only the best tools and equipment to help you get the right balance in your eyes again. Our cutting-edge technology not only sets us apart from the competition, but it also helps us bring satisfaction to our many patients.

Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Kennard L Herring 

Dr. Kennard L Herring was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and worked as a licensed optician before deciding to pursue a career in optometry. He completed his doctorate degree at Salus University in 2014. He has been trained in all areas of eye care and was previously enrolled in and completed an advanced pediatric and vision therapy program during his tenure at Salus University. 

Dr. Herring is also a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, Powerup your business, member of the National Optometric Association, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, a member of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and American Optometric Association. Dr. Herring is also an adjunct at his alma matar Salus University. 

Dr. Herring has been active in several vision screenings and community service ventures in the Greater Philadelphia Area. He also sponsors the local Mt. Airy baseball and basketball teams. Dr. Herring is passionate about his community and dedicates himself to seek and provide eye care to all.


Contact Nostalgic Dry Eye Spa Today

Our eyes serve as the window to the world around us — don’t compromise your vision by dismissing what it’s telling you. If your eyes are scratchy, red, or itchy, you could have dry eyes. 
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