Please call or text our office at (907) 272-9800 to request an appointment.

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What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is the most common disorder of the eyes, affecting about 20% of the population. Is occurs when one or all of the components of the tear film are not in balance. Clogged oil glands in the upper and lower eyelid margins contribute to 86% of Dry Eye Disease. Understanding the complex makeup of our tears is important in developing a successful treatment plan to treat your dry eyes.

At Accurate Vision Clinic, we have cutting edge diagnostic and treatment technology to assess and manage your Dry Eye Disease.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of Dry Eye Disease include:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Scratchiness
  • Burning
  • Watery/Tearing eyes
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Eye strain/fatigue

What are the risk factors for Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease can develop for many reasons, these are the most common in Alaska.

  • Age (many people over 65 experience dry eyes)
  • Gender (women are more likely to develop dry eye due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, contraceptives, and menopause)
  • Medications (many common medications contribute to dry eyes, ex. antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants)
  • Environmental conditions (cold/dry climates can increase tear evaporation, also increased screen time also contributes increased tear evaporation)
  • Long-term contact lens use
  • Eye surgeries such as LASIK, can decrease tear production

How is Dry Eye Disease treated?

After a careful comprehensive eye exam we can use specific diagnostic equipment to determine which areas of the tear film are out of balance. Treatment will then address those deficiencies, this can include:

  • Lid margin hygiene to encourage better oil gland production
  • Specific supplements may be beneficial
  • Prescription medicated eyedrops
  • TempSure Envi procedures to revitalize the oil glands of the eyelids
  • Amniotic membrane technology
  • Specialty contact lenses, such as Scleral Lenses
  • Autologous serum eye drops

Often a combination of these treatments is necessary to successfully treat Dry Eye disease.