Dry eye is a common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether it’s a persistent scratchy sensation, redness, or blurry vision, untreated dry eye can become a chronic issue that affects your comfort and ability to focus. At Heights Vision Specialists, we understand how frustrating this condition can be and offer innovative treatments tailored to provide relief and restore your eye health.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring clear vision, as they lubricate the eyes, protect against infection, and wash away debris. When the tear film is insufficient or unstable, symptoms such as dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light can arise.
Dry eye can stem from various causes, including:
Prolonged screen time
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
Environmental factors like wind or dry climates
Underlying medical conditions, such as meibomian gland dysfunction or autoimmune diseases
At Heights Vision Specialists, we offer advanced prescription treatments to manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye. Our personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan addresses the root cause of your condition.
Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses and vault over the cornea, creating a reservoir of fluid that keeps the eyes hydrated throughout the day. These lenses are ideal for patients with severe dry eye, as they not only provide moisture but also protect the surface of the eye from external irritants.
Benefits of scleral lenses for dry eye:
Long-lasting hydration
Reduced irritation and discomfort
Enhanced visual clarity
Prescription eye drops work by reducing inflammation in the tear glands and improving tear production. Unlike over-the-counter artificial tears, these drops address the underlying inflammation associated with chronic dry eye.
What to expect:
Gradual improvement in tear production
Relief from burning and redness
Long-term management of symptoms
Tear-stimulating medications, available as oral tablets or eye drops, help the glands produce more natural tears. These drugs can provide significant relief for patients with conditions that interfere with normal tear production, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or age-related dry eye.
Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and retain tears on the surface of the eye. By keeping more tears in the eyes for longer, punctal plugs are an effective solution for patients whose dry eye results from insufficient tear retention.
Benefits of punctal plugs:
Non-invasive and reversible
Immediate improvement in tear film stability
Suitable for patients with moderate to severe dry eye
We’re committed to providing comprehensive care for dry eye tailored to your unique needs. We take the time to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend treatments that offer lasting relief. Our goal is to help you enjoy clear vision and comfort every day.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, contact Heights Vision Specialists to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and explore the innovative prescription treatments we offer. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (832) 360-2020 to book an appointment today.