What is a dry eye disease?

Simply put, dry eye disease is an imbalance of the eyes’ tear film. Decreased tear production, poor tear quality caused by poorly functioning oil glands in the eyelids, inflammation, and the environment all play roles in this process.

Dry Eye Treatment | Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho

Q: How do I know if I have dry eyes?

Dry eyes can manifest itself in a number of ways including irritation, redness, burning, and blurred vision. One of the most confusing things about dry eyes is that tearing and watery eyes are common symptoms as well. Your eye doctor can also visualize areas of dryness and damage by using a special stain called fluorescein.

Q: What happens to my eyes when I'm working on a computer all day?

When we work on the computer, we often are so focused on the screen that we don't blink as often. Remember to take breaks and rest your eyes if they begin to feel strained.

Q: What are meibomian glands?

Meibomian glands are a small gland that produces oils to lubricate the eye. As you age and with certain diseases, these glands can become plugged. With a warm compress and massage, you can begin to improve the glands' function.

Q: What causes dry eyes?

Beyond environmental factors, the causes are almost as numerous as the symptoms. Medications, diet, hormonal changes, aging, occupation, and history of contact lens wear or LASIK can all contribute. In rare circumstances, dry eyes could be the first sign of systemic diseases such as Sjogrens’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Even young people are at risk with increasing amounts of time spent on mobile devices and video games.

Q: What are treatment options?

The exciting news about treating dry eyes is that options for treatment continue to expand rapidly. Beyond artificial tears, there are a host of good options that can be explored under the supervision of an eye care professional.

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Dry Eye Treatment

We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. However, the unique environmental factors—such as high altitudes, low humidity, mountain winds, abundant agriculture, wildflowers, and occasional forest fires—can significantly impact eye health. The cold winters, which contribute to some of the best snow conditions on earth, can also pose challenges for ocular health.

Nearly everyone has experienced the discomfort of dry eyes at some point, but for some, this temporary irritation becomes a persistent, disruptive issue that interferes with work and daily activities.

Like conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, chronic dry eye disease requires a thorough evaluation and a targeted treatment plan. Our goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but to address the underlying causes, helping individuals return to enjoying their daily lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Call or schedule an appointment to get a more in-depth look at your eye health.

What is dry eye disease?

In simple terms, dry eye disease occurs when there is an imbalance in the tear film of the eyes. Factors such as reduced tear production, poor tear quality due to dysfunctional oil glands in the eyelids, inflammation, and environmental influences all contribute to the condition.

How do I know if I have dry eyes?

Dry eye disease can present in various ways, including irritation, redness, burning, and blurred vision, as well as tearing and watery eyes. An eye doctor can assess the extent of dryness and any associated damage by using a special dye called fluorescein, which highlights areas of concern on the surface of the eye.

What happens to my eyes when I'm working on a computer all day?

When working on a computer, individuals often become so focused on the screen that they blink less frequently. It is important to take regular breaks and rest the eyes if they begin to feel strained.

What are meibomian glands?

Meibomian glands are small structures that produce oils to lubricate the eye. As individuals age or in the presence of certain conditions, these glands can become blocked. Applying a warm compress followed by a gentle massage can help improve the function of these glands.

Why do my eyes get dry when I drive?

While you're in the car, you often have the air conditioning or heating on, which can cause significant eye dryness. To prevent this, you can wear sunglasses while you drive or point the air vents away from your eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

In addition to environmental factors, the causes of dry eye disease are varied and numerous. Medications, diet, hormonal changes, aging, occupation, and a history of contact lens use or LASIK surgery can all contribute to the condition. In rare cases, dry eyes may be the first indication of systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Even younger individuals are at risk, particularly with the increasing time spent on mobile devices and video games.

What are treatment options?

The good news in treating dry eye disease is that treatment options are continually expanding. In addition to artificial tears, there are a variety of effective therapies available that can be explored under the guidance of an eye care professional.‍

20/20/20 Rule & other Lifestyle Modifications
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Take regular breaks from screen time by following the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Limit exposure to wind, fans, and artificial heating or cooling systems. Using wraparound sunglasses, a sleep mask, and humidifiers can be beneficial in these situations.
Research suggests that Omega-3 supplements, particularly those high in EPA and DHA, may help improve symptoms for certain individuals with dry eyes. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important for overall health and ocular moisture.
Additionally, practicing proper contact lens hygiene, including regular disinfection and timely replacement, is essential for eye health.‍

Medications

Prescription eye drops are designed to target specific steps in the eye’s inflammatory process. By interrupting this cycle, these medications can help increase tear production and alleviate symptoms. Common options include Restasis, Xiidra, and Cequa. In some cases, short courses of topical steroids or oral antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial. Additionally, allergy eye drops may be necessary if an allergic component is contributing to the condition. Medications like Gabapentin and Lyrica may also be used in certain cases for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.‍

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Natural Treatments

Warm compresses can help dissolve blocked oil glands in the eyelids, improve tear film quality, and reduce tear evaporation. Lid scrubs with tea tree oil or hypochlorous acid can also be effective in removing debris, bacteria, and microscopic mites.

For severe dry eye cases, autologous serum tears offer an advanced treatment option. This involves drawing a patient’s blood, removing the red blood cells, and processing the clear serum into eye drops. These drops contain growth factors and essential nutrients that promote healing and alleviate symptoms.

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Comprehensive Eye Examination

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What to expect from your visit

A comprehensive eye exam allows us to assess the overall health of your eyes and develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs. The exam includes a series of questions and tests designed to gather detailed information about the various functions and structures of your eyes. This brief video will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

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Idaho Falls, ID

2100 Providence Way Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Located South of EIRMC and Sunnyside Rd in Idaho Falls

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(208) 529-6600

Pocatello, ID

1777 E Clark St #310 Pocatello, ID 83201

Located on Clark St. right off of I-15 take exit 69. Between 16th & 17th Ave.

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(208) 232-4133

Rexburg, ID

23 Sawtelle Ave Suite 102 Rexburg, ID 83440

Right off of Main Street West of HWY-20 across from Valley Wide Country Store & Blister's BBQ.

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(208) 359-1888

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