What causes Dry Eye Disease and how it is treated?
Dry Eye Disease (DED) occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to instability of the tear film, causing symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, fluctuating vision, excessive tearing, and a sensation of grit or sand in the eyes. Dry eye becomes more common with age and may be associated with screen use, contact lens wear, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, and meibomian gland dysfunction—the leading cause of evaporative dry eye.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild cases may improve with artificial tears, warm compresses, environmental modifications, and frequent breaks during screen use. More advanced cases may require prescription anti-inflammatory medications, punctal plugs to conserve tears, treatment of eyelid inflammation, omega-3 supplementation in selected patients, or in-office procedures targeting meibomian gland dysfunction like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or meibomian gland compression. A comprehensive eye examination can help determine the specific factors contributing to dry eye and guide individualized treatment.
References
– Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):276-283.
– Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya VY, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):334-365.
– Jones L, Downie LE, Korb D, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):575-628.
What are Cataracts and how are they treated?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally focuses light onto the retina. Cataracts most commonly develop as part of the natural aging process but may also occur due to diabetes, certain medications, eye injuries, or prolonged ultraviolet light exposure. Symptoms often include blurred vision, increased glare from headlights, difficulty seeing at night, faded colors, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
In the early stages, stronger lighting and updated glasses may improve vision. When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities such as driving, reading, or work, cataract surgery is often recommended. Modern cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful surgical procedures worldwide, with excellent visual outcomes for most patients.
References
– Asbell PA, Dualan I, Mindel J, et al. Age-related cataract. Lancet. 2005;365(9459):599-609.
– Lundström M, Barry P, Henry Y, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for cataract surgery. Acta Ophthalmol. 2012;90(8):685-693.
– Flaxman SR, Bourne RRA, Resnikoff S, et al. Global causes of blindness and distance vision impairment. Lancet Glob Health. 2017;5(12):e1221-e1234.
What is Glaucoma and how is it treated?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Because vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, many people are unaware they have the disease until significant peripheral vision has already been lost. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor, although glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range.
The primary goal of treatment is to slow or prevent further optic nerve damage by lowering eye pressure. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery. Early detection through comprehensive eye examinations is critical, particularly for individuals with a family history of glaucoma, older age, African or Hispanic ancestry, diabetes, or high levels of myopia. With regular monitoring and appropriate treatment, many patients maintain useful vision throughout their lives.
References
– Weinreb RN, Aung T, Medeiros FA. The pathophysiology and treatment of glaucoma. JAMA. 2014;311(18):1901-1911.
– Tham YC, Li X, Wong TY, et al. Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections through 2040. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(11):2081-2090.
– Weinreb RN, Khaw PT. Primary open-angle glaucoma. Lancet. 2004;363(9422):1711-1720.
What is Macular Degeneration and how is it treated?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults and can make activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces more difficult. Smoking is the leading modifiable risk factor for AMD. Early AMD may cause few symptoms, while advanced disease can lead to distortion of vision or a dark spot in the center of one’s visual field.
There are two primary forms of AMD: dry (nonexudative) AMD and wet (exudative) AMD. Dry AMD is more common and progresses gradually, while wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina and can cause rapid vision loss. Treatment depends on the stage and type of disease. Nutritional supplementation based on the AREDS2 formula may reduce progression in certain patients with intermediate AMD, while wet AMD is typically treated with anti-VEGF injections that can stabilize or improve vision. Wearing sunglasses is recommended for protection of the retina, while regular dilated eye examinations are important for early detection and monitoring.
References
– Wong WL, Su X, Li X, et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e106-e116.
– Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for AMD. JAMA. 2013;309(19):2005-2015.
– Lim LS, Mitchell P, Seddon JM, et al. Age-related macular degeneration. Lancet. 2012;379(9827):1728-1738.
What is Digital Eye Strain and how is it managed?
Digital Eye Strain, also called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), refers to a group of eye and vision problems that occur after prolonged use of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices. Common symptoms include eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, neck pain, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms often result from reduced blinking, prolonged near work, poor posture, glare, and uncorrected vision problems. As digital device use has become increasingly common, digital eye strain has emerged as one of the most frequent complaints seen in eye care practices.
Management of digital eye strain focuses on reducing visual stress and improving workplace ergonomics. The “20-20-20 rule”—looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help relax the focusing system of the eyes. Proper lighting, minimizing screen glare, maintaining an appropriate viewing distance, and ensuring an accurate eyeglass prescription can also improve comfort. Artificial tears may help alleviate associated dryness, and specialized computer glasses may be recommended for some individuals. Regular eye examinations can identify underlying vision problems that contribute to symptoms.
References
– Sheppard AL, Wolffsohn JS. Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. BMJ Open Ophthalmology. 2018;3:e000146.
– Rosenfield M. Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2011;31(5):502-515.
– Coles-Brennan C, Sulley A, Young G. Management of digital eye strain. Clin Exp Optom. 2019;102(1):18-29.
Do blue light glasses do anything to help my eyes?
Blue light is a naturally occurring part of visible light emitted by the sun and digital screens. Although laboratory studies have investigated the effects of blue light on retinal cells, current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that everyday exposure from computer screens causes eye disease. Blue light, however, does seem to affect one’s circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production. Symptoms often attributed to blue light, such as eye strain and fatigue, are more commonly related to prolonged near work, reduced blinking, and poor visual ergonomics.
Several studies have evaluated whether blue-light-filtering glasses improve symptoms of digital eye strain. Current evidence suggests that these glasses generally do not provide meaningful improvements in eye strain, sleep quality, or visual performance for most people. While some individuals may perceive subjective benefits, regular screen breaks, appropriate lighting, proper viewing distance, and treatment of underlying dry eye are generally more effective strategies for maintaining visual comfort during screen use.
References
– Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance and eye strain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;5:CD013244.
– Rosenfield M. Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2011;31(5):502-515.
– Leung TW, Li RW, Kee CS. Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses: optical and clinical performance. PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0169114.
How can I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK or other vision correction surgeries?
Laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. Good candidates generally have stable prescriptions, healthy eyes, sufficient corneal thickness, and refractive errors that fall within the treatment range of the procedure. Individuals with significant dry eye disease, keratoconus, uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, or unstable vision may not be ideal candidates.
A comprehensive refractive surgery evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy. This examination typically includes corneal mapping, measurement of corneal thickness, tear film assessment, and a review of your medical and ocular history. For patients who are not candidates for LASIK, alternative options such as PRK, ICLs (implantable collamer lenses), refractive lens exchange, or modern cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses may be considered. An eye care professional can help determine which option best aligns with your visual goals and ocular health.
References
– Sugar A, Rapuano CJ, Culbertson WW, et al. LASIK for myopia and astigmatism. Ophthalmology. 2002;109(1):175-187.
– Solomon KD, Fernández de Castro LE, Sandoval HP, et al. LASIK world literature review. Ophthalmology. 2009;116(4):691-701.
– Reinstein DZ, Archer TJ, Randleman JB. JRS standard for ectasia risk assessment. J Refract Surg. 2013;29(9):601-602.
What are some things I can do to keep my eyes healthy?
Maintaining healthy eyes involves a combination of preventive care and healthy lifestyle habits. Comprehensive eye examinations can detect vision problems and eye diseases before symptoms develop. Wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light, using appropriate eye protection during sports or hazardous work, and keeping chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension under control can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
A healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, fish, and other nutrient-dense foods supports long-term eye health. Avoiding smoking is particularly important, as smoking increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and limiting prolonged screen time without breaks may also contribute to overall visual comfort and ocular health. Most importantly, routine eye examinations allow for early detection and treatment of conditions before permanent vision loss occurs.
References
– Chiu CJ, Taylor A. Nutritional antioxidants and age-related eye disease. Exp Eye Res. 2007;84(2):229-245.
– Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Manson JE, et al. A prospective study of cigarette smoking and cataract. JAMA. 1992;268(8):989-993.
– Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized trial of antioxidant supplements and zinc for AMD. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(10):1417-1436.
Book an appointment here or call us today to get your eyes checked!