Evaporative Dry Eye

Dry eye is an uncomfortable condition that can make your eyes feel scratchy and irritated, and it can also interfere with your ability to wear contact lenses. There are various causes of this issue, one of which is evaporation. But what exactly does this mean? Let our eye doctors at Arena Eye Care Optometry, serving Sacramento and the nearby region, explain.

General Information

Dry eye is a condition characterized by insufficient moisture in the eyes. In some cases, the underlying cause is that your tears evaporate too quickly before they can properly nourish and hydrate your eyes. Specifically, this occurs when there isn't enough oil in your tears, leading to rapid fluid evaporation.

Causes

Many patients with dry eye suffer from evaporative dry eye, often related to meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects oil secretion. In some instances, the root cause is gland obstruction, preventing the proper secretion of oil. Thickening of the oil can also hinder gland function.

Interestingly, the hormone testosterone plays a role in both forms of this dysfunction, especially its absence. This is why women are more susceptible to this type of dry eye than men. Men generally experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels, which doesn't usually lead to extreme gland dysfunction. Women, on the other hand, start experiencing a decrease in testosterone around their late 20s or 30s, followed by a rapid decline, putting them at higher risk.

Treatment

Our optometrists Dr. Krister L. Holmberg and Dr. Shephali Patel may recommend using hygiene products to clean around the eyes thoroughly, helping to keep the glands open. Using artificial tears that contain a balanced mix of oil and fluid can also be advised. Additionally, dietary supplements may be recommended. Lastly, a procedure called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can decrease inflammation, liquefy thickened oil and clear the meibomian glands. Four IPL sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart can have an effect lasting a year or even longer!

Contact Arena Eye Care Optometry in Sacramento, CA

Are you looking for an eye doctor near me? At Arena Eye Care Optometry, serving Sacramento and the surrounding area, we offer comprehensive eye exams to diagnose your condition and determine the underlying cause. Following diagnosis, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. If you're experiencing dry eye, don't hesitate to book an appointment for an eye exam today. Contact us at 916-419-8167.