Chronic Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye is an inflammatory disorder which affects tears and the surface of the eyes which affects between 5 and 30 percent of the population age 50 and older in the United States.

Take the Dry Eye Quiz to find out if you suffer from dry eyes

The Basics of Chronic Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye is dry eye caused by one of a number of underlying conditions which lead to either an underproduction of tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eye) or a problem with the tear composition (evaporative dry eye). This is differentiated from dry eye which is caused by environmental or other factors which can be more easily treated. Although, external factors such as dry environments, allergies, and LASIK can aggravate chronic dry eye.

Chronic dry eye can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Chronic dry eye disease can damage ocular tissues and in very serious cases, lead to scarring of the cornea. Chronic dry eye sufferers in one study reported a decrease in quality of life that was as high as breaking one's hip due to the pain and physical limitations that was experienced.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye

Common symptoms of chronic dry eye include general dryness and discomfort, along with a burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes. Blurry vision is also a common symptom.

What Can Cause or Contribute to Chronic Dry Eye?

There are several potential causes of chronic dry eye. These include:

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, as well as birth control, can affect the tears and lead to dry eye. Hormonal changes are a major reason why women are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic dry eye.
Medications: Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy have been linked to chronic dry eye.
Other Medical Conditions: A range of medical conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases like arthritis, rosacea, sarcoidosis, and lupus. People with Sjogren's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes also often have dry eye.
Other Contributing Factors: Deficiencies in certain vitamins, as well as environmental factors, can contribute to dry eye.

How to Know if You Have Chronic Dry Eye

If you experience the symptoms of dry eye (such as redness, stinging, burning, or gritty sensations in the eyes) over an extended period of time.

In milder cases, symptoms may come and go, and in more severe cases they will be more regular and severe.

Chronic Dry Eye Treatment

Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms.
Prescription Eye Drops: Medication such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast that help your eyes increase tear production. Learn more about eye drops for dry eye here.
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Cleaning: Warm compresses on the eyes and gentle eyelid scrubs can help unclog oil glands. Learn more about warm compresses for dry eye here.
Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, can help improve tear quality and reduce symptoms.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to block drainage, increasing tear film and surface moisture. Learn more about punctal plugs for dry eye here.
LipiFlow Treatment: A device that applies heat and pressure to unclog meibomian glands in your eyelids.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL reduces inflammation and improves tear production. Learn more about IPL for dry eye here.

Remember to consult with our eye care professional or optometrist to find the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

Can Chronic Dry Eye Be Prevented?

There is no definitive way to prevent chronic dry eye. However, there are ways to reduce one’s risk.

Avoiding things which cause dryness, such as low humidity areas, wind, and fair dryers, can help. Using a humidifier while indoor heat is used, or wraparound glasses while outdoors, can provide some help. Remaining properly hydrated is also always a good idea.

Additionally, if you already suffer from dry eye, taking breaks while using devices with screens can help prevent symptoms from becoming further aggravated.

Changes to your diet or reducing or changing your medication, as directed by a doctor, can also help provide some relief.

Summary

Chronic dry eye, where symptoms of dry eye persist for extended periods of time, can be an unpleasant condition to live with. While there is no easy cure, chronic dry eye’s symptoms can be managed with proper treatments, as directed by a doctor. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles. If you are suffering from dry eye, you can schedule an appointment for a consultation at Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach by contacting us at (562) 925-6591.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.