More than 10% of the general population exhibits dermatologic characteristics of rosacea, of these, more than half will be impacted by ocular complications.

Ocular rosacea is a common eye condition that causes dry eye. While there is a lot of published research about ocular rosacea, a cure still has not been found. However, there are ways an eye doctor can help you manage this condition, so that the eyes can receive the relief they need.

If you experience dry eyes it may be due to ocular rosacea.

What is ocular rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a common inflammatory eye condition that causes redness, itching, and a burning sensation around the eyes.

Ocular rosacea mainly affects people after the age of 50, but reports of this condition affecting people even in their 30s and 40s is not uncommon.

The primary parts of the eyes that are affected are the eyelids, conjunctiva and occasionally the cornea.

This condition may present itself as various eye conditions such as chronic blepharitis, corneal vascularization, and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Causes of ocular rosacea

Researchers aren’t sure of the exact reason as to why ocular rosacea happens however, they have found that 85% of people with ocular rosacea have blocked oil glands at the edges of their eyelids. Blocked meibomian glands, that produce the oil in the tears, can be successfully treated.

When these tiny glands are blocked the result is infection or inflammation of the margins of the eyelids area causing irritated, red and swollen eyelids This then leads to crusty eyelashes and even sore and itchy sensations in the eyes.

Other factors causing ocular rosacea include:

• Heredity
• Eyelash mites, known as Demodex
• Blocked glands in the eyelids
• Bacterial involvement
• Environmental factors

Can ocular rosacea be prevented?

Research has shown that avoiding certain irritants can help reduce the likelihood of aggravating ocular rosacea. These include:

• Alcohol
• Hot baths or saunas
• Spicy or hot foods or beverages
• Strenuous exercise
• Wind, sunlight, or extreme temperatures

Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea symptoms are usually similar to dry eye. The eyes may experience or feel the following:

• Blurred vision
• Itchy, red, burning, or watery
• Swollen, red eyelids
• Gritty or the feeling of having a foreign body in one or both eyes
• Recurrent eye or eyelid infections
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Small dilated blood vessels on the front of the eye

Contact an eye doctor near you that can conduct eye exams to diagnose and treat ocular rosacea.

SEE RELATED: Treatments for Eye Floaters

Treatment for ocular rosacea

Home eye care and medications can usually help to reduce the symptoms of ocular rosacea, however, these steps may not cure the condition. Treatment to help reduce symptoms may include:

• Antibiotics
• A warm moist compress applied to the eyelids
• Eye drops
• Ointments with steroids
• Probing, thin rods are used to unplug the glands allowing more oil to flow

In rare cases, if not treated, severe ocular rosacea can cause serious eye problems affecting one’s vision. This can be either scarring in the eyelids or damage on the cornea.

Tips to prevent flare ups

To help manage ocular rosacea following a good eye care routine to help prevent flare-ups.

• At least twice a day, wash the eyelids gently with warm water or a product the eye doctor recommended. This will keep the eyelids clean.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during flare-ups.
• Avoid makeup. If the eyes are inflamed, makeup can irritate them.
• Avoid things that worsen or trigger ocular rosacea to prevent flare-ups. Items that tend to dilate blood vessels in the face include hot, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you believe you have ocular rosacea, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, so that you discuss ways to prevent flare-ups and receive treatment to alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing.

The post Ocular Rosacea appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common condition that results from insufficient tear quantity or inadequate tear quality.

Our tears are responsible for lubricating our eyes and keeping them moist and nourished. Healthy tears consist of three elements: oil, mucus, and water.

A problem within any of these essential elements can cause an imbalance within the tear film and affect tear production— consequently leading to DES.

Symptoms of DES:

• Red eyes
• Burning in the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Excessive tearing/watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitive or sore eyes
• Eyelid inflammation and discomfort
• Foreign body sensation in the eyes

If you suspect you have dry eyes, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Dry Eye and Menopause

How does aging lead to DES?

Lacrimal gland function

As we age, the amount of tears produced by the lacrimal gland naturally reduces. 

This can lead to insufficient water (aqueous) production, and significantly affect the eye’s ability to maintain moisture.

Medications

Many adults over the age of 50 begin to take medications for conditions that are more prevalent among the older population, such as hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.

Many times, these conditions or the medications prescribed to manage these conditions contain side effects that include dry eye, or increase your risk of developing DES.

Menopause

Menopause is a common cause of DES in women above the age of 50.

Approximately 61 percent of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by DES. 

Furthermore, around 38 percent of post-menopausal women in the U.S. use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage their menopausal symptoms— a treatment that has been closely linked to DES.

Meibomian gland degeneration 

The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce the essential oil and lipids required to lower the evaporation rate of the tears.

As we age, these glands become blocked more easily, and can even begin to degenerate. This can lead to reduced or inadequate oil production and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

The most common type of MGD is called obstructive MGD. This occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked or clogged by thick secretions.  Obstructive MGD prevents the oil from reaching the eye’s surface and results in quicker tear evaporation.

What can you do to alleviate dry eyes?

If you are experiencing symptoms of DES, schedule an appointment for an eye exam. 

Over-the-counter (OCT) remedies, such as artificial tears eye drops, gels and ointments can provide relief for mild to moderate symptoms. Though, if your symptoms are more severe or persistent, there is a wide variety of effective dry eye treatments that can significantly reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Hydrate throughout the day, ensuring that you drink at least 8 cups of water per day. Not only will increasing your water intake help you to maintain your overall health, it will also help your eyes stay moist and reduce dry eye symptoms.

Humidifiers can be placed around your home to increase the humidity and moisture in your environment. This is not only beneficial for your skin and respiratory system, but to your eyes as well.

Reduce screen time or at least take frequent breaks from your digital device throughout the day. Using the computer and watching television has been linked to reduced blinking, which can cause your eyes to feel dry and irritated and lead to other dry eye symptoms.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Speak to an eye doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen. Your doctor will examine your eyes to determine which dry eye treatments will be most effective for you.

The natural aging process can lead to a range of ocular problems, affecting both the quantity and quality of your tears and causing the uncomfortable dry eye symptoms you may be experiencing.

Don’t let dry eyes keep you from enjoying your golden years. 

With an effective treatment plan, you can increase your comfort and improve your vision to enjoy the activities you love most.

The post Dry Eyes and Aging appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that results from insufficient tear quantity or inadequate tear quality.

Our tears are responsible for lubricating our eyes to keep them healthy and nourished. The tear film consists of three components: oil, water, and mucus. Each of these components is essential to maintain the quality and quantity of the tears.

A problem within any of these essential components can cause an imbalance within the tear film and affect tear production— consequently leading to dry eye syndrome (DES).

Approximately 80 percent of DES cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

The meibomian glands are the oil glands that line the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, at the base of your eyelashes. These glands secrete the oil (meibum) that coats the eyes and tear film, to prevent the tears from evaporating too quickly.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common condition that occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked with thick secretions, preventing oil from flowing freely into the tear film and affecting its quality as well.

When MGD becomes a chronic problem, it can cause permanent damage to the tear film and lead to DES.

If you have MGD contact an eye doctor near you who can help manage your MGD.

SEE RELATED: Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty?

How does IPL therapy treat DES? 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a painless, in-office treatment that effectively treats the underlying cause of DES. 

During this procedure, gentle pulses of light are delivered to the skin adjacent to the eyes to reduce inflammation and eliminate any bacterial infection. These pulses melt the thick secretions on the eyelids, release the buildup of oil, and unclog the meibomian glands.

This specialized treatment stimulates the natural flow of oil into the tears, stabilizes the tear film and improves dry eye symptoms. 

What to expect during your IPL treatment

Before beginning the IPL treatment, your doctor will place eye shields over your eyelids to protect them from the bright light pulses. A thin layer of cooling gel will also be applied to the skin around your eyes to protect that sensitive area as well.

Your doctor will then hold a small device over your eyelids to administer the pulses of light. The heat from the light pulses will then lead to the melting of the thick, crusty secretions blocking your oil glands.

After the IPL has successfully opened your meibomian glands, your doctor may also express a small amount of oil from the glands in your eyelids to stimulate normal oil flow.

What to expect after your IPL treatment

Most patients will notice an improvement in their dry eye symptoms following their first or second IPL treatment. However, it is generally recommended to return for additional treatments on a monthly basis for a four month period to ensure optimal results.

For severe DES, additional treatments may be recommended to maintain healthy meibomian gland function and prevent the condition from recurring.

Some eye doctors recommend IPL therapy in combination with other dry eye treatments for even greater success and dry eye relief.

Is IPL therapy right for you?

If you are experiencing chronic dry eye symptoms that are affecting your productivity and quality of life, your eye doctor may recommend IPL therapy.

Intense pulsed light therapy is used to treat the underlying cause of DES to ensure long lasting relief from your uncomfortable symptoms.

While artificial tears, warm compresses, and eyelid scrubs can help to soothe your dry eyes, they may only provide short term relief and are most effective for mild to moderate dry eye conditions.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Dry eye syndrome does not have to be a condition you learn to live with. Contact an eye doctor about IPL therapy to get the help you need for a lifetime of healthy, comfortable eyes and vision.

The post Dry Eyes: What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy?  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Gritty eyes can be caused by a number of eye conditions, including dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, sjogren’s syndrome, or even sunburned eyes.

If you are experiencing a gritty sensation in your eyes, schedule an eye exam to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive an appropriate treatment plan.

SEE RELATED: Why Do My Eyes Feel Sore?

Dry eye syndrome (DES)

Dry eye syndrome is the most common cause of gritty eyes. 

A diminished quantity or quality of tears can cause your eyes to become dry, itchy, irritated and sore.

Healthy tears consist of three elements: oil, mucus, and water. If any of these elements are compromised, it can affect the quality of your tear film and cause your tears to evaporate too quickly. If either of these problems occur, dry eye symptoms will result.

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that can be hereditary or caused by hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, certain medications, LASIK surgery, or the natural aging process.

If DES is causing the gritty sensation you are experiencing, your eye doctor may recommend an artificial tears eye drop, gel, or ointment to increase the moisture in your eyes and alleviate your symptoms.

Medicated eye drops that increase natural tear production may also be prescribed for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. For acute cases, a steroid eye drop may be prescribed in combination with a medicated eye drop to provide short-term relief of severe dry eyes.

For chronic or severe dry eyes, your eye doctor may recommend a specialized in-office dry eye treatment. There is a wide range of treatment procedures that have been proven effective in treating the underlying cause of dry, gritty eyes.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is one of the most common eye conditions marked by an inflammation of the eyelids.

Blepharitis generally develops when the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes become blocked. It is commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), but can also develop from a bacterial infection or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea.

Grittiness is a common symptom of blepharitis, along with swollen eyelids, and red, irritated, itchy eyes. 

An appropriate treatment plan will be determined based on the type of infection that has caused the blepharitis.

To effectively treat blepharitis, it is important to keep your eyelids clean. Wash your eyelids and eyelashes every night with a mild soap recommended by your eye doctor to soften any buildup of debris and wash away any crusty discharge.

In-office eyelid hygiene procedures, such as eyelid margin cleaning, intense pulsed light (IPL), thermal pulsation, and blephex treatments are often recommended to effectively eliminate the infection and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

Your eye doctor may also prescribe medicated eye drops or ointments or oral medication to help clear the infection. In some cases, a steroid eye drop may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

When the inflammation is treated, your eyes will feel more comfortable and the gritty sensation will disappear.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that damages the tear and saliva producing glands— causing dry eyes and a dry mouth.

Along with dry eyes, comes a gritty sensation, burning in or around the eyes, light sensitivity, red eyes, and blurry vision.

To relieve your dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend an artificial tears eye drop, gel or ointment to help keep your eyes moist throughout the day. A medicated eye drop may also be prescribed to encourage natural tear production.

In some cases, medications to treat Sjorgren’s syndrome may also improve your dry eye symptoms.

Sunburned eyes (photokeratitis)

A day in the sun without the right eye protection can lead to sunburned eyes.

Sunburned eyes appear red or bloodshot, and typically cause a gritty sensation along with light sensitivity and blurred vision. 

While photokeratitis generally does not cause any long term eye damage, it should be looked at by an eye doctor.

To alleviate your discomfort, your eye doctor may recommend using an artificial tears eye drop, gel, or ointment to lubricate your eyes and sooth the burn. For severe sunburns, an anti-inflammatory eye drop may be prescribed.

Photokeratitis generally fades after a couple of days, and the gritty sensation in your eyes should disappear as well. If you don’t notice any improvement after several days, contact your eye doctor.

If your eyes feel gritty and irritated, don’t wait for the sensation to go away on its own. There are a range of effective treatments that can offer you quick relief.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to get the treatment you need to help your eyes feel comfortable again.

The post Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Recent studies show up that to 59 percent of all adults show at least one symptom of MGD.

What is meibomian gland dysfunction?

The meibomian glands are the tiny pores that line the upper and lower eyelid margins. These glands produce the oil (meibum) that contributes to your eye’s tear film and provides constant lubrication to keep your eye healthy.

Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s tear film as it prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly.

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the oil glands become blocked or clogged with thick secretions, preventing a normal flow of oil. 

As a result, the quality of the oil that flows through these glands may be poor and lead to eye irritation and a crusty discharge.

Meibomian gland dysfunction often does not present with any symptoms in its early stages. However, if the condition progresses without treatment, it can cause eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) and dry eye symptoms.

When MGD becomes a chronic problem, normal oil secretion becomes impossible— which can lead to permanent damage in the tear film, as well as dry eye syndrome.

Common symptoms of MGD

• Dry eyes
• Burning sensation in or around the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Crusty discharge in the corner of the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Chalazia/styes
• Foreign body sensation in the eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: Do I Have Blepharitis?

How is MGD treated? 

Meibomian gland dysfunction can be treated with a variety of medications and in-office procedures. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend a combination of treatments to ensure optimal results.

Restasis prescription eye drops are prescribed for severe dry eye symptoms. These medicated eye drops help to increase oil production and tear quantity.

Steroid eye drops are generally prescribed in combination with medicated eye drops. These drops reduce eyelid inflammation to improve the flow of oils into the eyes.

LipiFlow is a medical device that opens the meibomian glands and improves oil production by using a combination of heat and gentle eyelid massage.

TearCare is a procedure in which heating patches are applied to the external eyelids and connected to a handheld heating device. This device melts the waxy build up of secretions in order to unclog the meibomian glands and improve oil flow.

iLUX is a portable, hand-held, LED-based heating device used to warm the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelids. The iLUX works by melting the build up of waxy secretions blocking the meibomian glands to improve oil flow.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with the blood vessels on the face adjacent to the eyes and eyelids. This process reduces eyelid inflammation and bacterial overgrowth that may be causing your MGD. Several treatments over a period of a few months are generally required to see optimal results.

Blephex involves a hand-held device that gently exfoliates the eyelid margins to eliminate bacterial debris and open the meibomian glands. When the inflammation is treated, your overall eyelid health can improve.

Lid debridement may be performed to clean the debris and keratin from your eyelid margins and unclog the meibomian glands. This is performed by your eye doctor using a specialized hand-held device.

Blephasteam is an eyelid-warming medical device that resembles  a pair of swimming goggles. This device helps to relieve symptoms of MGD by unblocking the meibomian glands. Blephasteam is electronically controlled in order to maintain a constant and effective temperature throughout the treatment procedure.

While MGD can cause significant discomfort and dry eyes, it can be effectively treated, especially if detected early.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with your optometrist to determine which MGD treatment can alleviate your symptoms and help your eyes to feel more comfortable.

The post How Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treated? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dry eyes can range from a mild inconvenience to a chronic problem, and cause many uncomfortable symptoms that can impact your performance of daily activities.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• Dry, irritated, or red eyes
• Inflamed eyelids
• Burning feeling in the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Excessive tearing/watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitive or sore eyes
• Eyelid discomfort
• Foreign body sensation in the eyes

How do warm compresses help dry eyes?

Warm compresses provide a hydrating and soothing relief to dry eyes. 

The heat from the warm compress helps to open the meibomian glands to improve oil gland function, increase oil flow into the eyes, stabilize the tear film, and slow down tear evaporation.

After removing the warm compress, your eyes will be able to expel debris and bacteria more efficiently, helping your eyes remain healthy and clear.

Warm compresses may be recommended for daily or nightly use to help soothe dry eye symptoms— and may be used in combination with artificial tears eye drops, gel, or ointment for optimal results.

If you experience any signs of dry eye, contact an eye doctor near you to discuss an effective treatment.

SEE RELATED: Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?

How to make a warm compress for your eyes

Warm compresses can be both moist and dry, but for dry eyes, most eye doctors recommend using a moist compress to both clean and hydrate your eyes at the same time. Your eye doctor can instruct you how to make your own moist warm compress at home.

Making a warm compress to relieve dry eyes is quick and easy.

Here are two simple ways to make your own moist warm compress:

1. Water basin method

1. Fill a water basin with water that is hot to the touch, but not scalding.
2. Soak a small towel or washcloth in the hot water.
3. Squeeze out the excess water.
4. Fold the towel until it is small enough to fit over your eyes.
5. Place the towel on your eyes.
6. The towel should stay warm for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Microwave method

1. Wet two towels with water.
2. Squeeze out the excess water.
3. Place one towel in a zip-lock bag and leave the bag open.
4. Set the bag in the microwave on high for two minutes.
5. Carefully remove the bag from the microwave- the bag will be hot.
6. Seal the bag tightly.
7. Wrap the second wet towel around the bag.
8. Place the warm compress on your eyes.
9. The compress should stay warm for about 5-10 minutes.

If you would rather purchase a ready-made warm compress, you can inquire in your eye doctor’s office, or visit your local pharmacy.

If warm compresses are not effective enough to relieve your symptoms, or don’t provide the long lasting relief you are looking for, there are many other treatments that your eye doctor can discuss with you.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive dry eye exam, and to discuss the best treatments for you.

Don’t let dry eyes get in your way, with an effective dry eye treatment plan, your eyes will feel healthy and comfortable in no time.  

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Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyes cannot produce a sufficient amount of tears to lubricate the eyes, or the quality of the tears is inadequate to maintain eye moisture.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule an appointment for an eye exam. During your exam, your eye doctor will perform a series of diagnostic tests to carefully evaluate your tears, eyelids and cornea, and assess your blink dynamics— how often and effectively you blink.

Common symptoms of dry eye

• Dry, irritated, or red eyes
• Itchiness
• Burning
• Excessive tearing/watery eyes
• Sensitive or sore eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Eyelid inflammation
• Eyelid discomfort
• Blurriness

If you feel you have any signs of allergy eyes above, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Why Do Dry Eyes Affect Women More Than Men?

Dry eye assessment

At the start of your exam, your eye doctor may conduct an in-depth assessment of your symptoms and their severity.

Your eye doctor will then decide on an appropriate battery of diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome and rule out any other eye diseases or health problems that may be causing your dry eyes.

Diagnostic tests for dry eye syndrome

1. Schirmer’s test

This is the most common and basic of the dry eye tests. Your eye doctor may use the Schirmer’s test to determine if your  eyes produce enough tears to maintain moisture.

During this test, your eye doctor will place a strip of medical paper inside your lower eyelids and instruct you to close your eyes. The strip of paper will absorb your tears and indicate the volume of water present in your tear film. After five minutes, your doctor will examine how far the tears have traveled on the paper. Traveling less than 15mm indicates dry eyes.

2. TearLab 

TearLab is used to assess the osmolarity of your tears, or the saltiness of your tears. An osmolarity that is low and stable across both eyes will ensure that your eyes remain healthy and moist.

Healthy tears consist of a balanced combination of salt, water, and oil. If your tear quality or quantity is diminished, or the osmolarity of your tears is too high, the surface of your eye can become damaged, and dry eye syndrome can result.

Furthermore, a significant difference in osmolarity of the two eyes may indicate the presence of dry eye syndrome.

During this test, your eye doctor will collect a small sample of your tears. The TearLab device will then assess the osmolarity and make-up of your tears to provide quantitative diagnostic information.

3. Phenol red thread test

This test evaluates the overall volume of your tears to determine if the aqueous layer of the tears is diminished. When this occurs, it can inhibit the tears from spreading across the eye’s surface adequately and cause dry eyes.

During this test, your optometrist will drape a thin red thread string over your eyes to observe the amount of tears your eyes produce in just a few seconds.  Your doctor will then compare the results of each eye.

4. Tear break up time (TBUT) 

This test is used to examine tear breakup time, or the amount of time it takes for your tears to evaporate. When the tears evaporate too quickly, they cannot effectively lubricate the eyes— resulting in dry eyes.

During this test, your eye doctor will gently touch your eye with a sterilized blotting paper that contains a fluorescein orange dye. As you blink, the dye will spread and gently coat the tear film covering your cornea.

A blue light will then be used to make your tears glow, and help your doctor to track their rate of evaporation, as well as highlight any problems or corneal damage that dry eyes may have caused.

5. LipiScan

Since meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of chronic dry eyes, it’s important to assess the health of your meibomian glands. LipiScan is a diagnostic imaging device that provides high-resolution digital images of the lower and upper meibomian glands.

With this state of the art imaging device, your eye doctor can determine if your meibomian glands are healthy or blocked, dilated or atrophied. It can also provide information about the oil that is produced by these tiny glands, and facilitate detection of a bacterial presence that may be contributing to inadequate tear quality and dry eye symptoms.

6. InflammaDry

InflammaDry is a specialized diagnostic tool used to identify elevated levels of MMP-9 in your tears. MMP-9 is a protein found in the inner lining of your lower eyelid. High levels of MMP-9 can indicate eyelid inflammation, a common symptom of dry eye syndrome.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye exam.

The sooner you see your doctor, the sooner you will receive the most appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort. 

The post How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Disclaimer: These tips are not a substitute for professional medical advice from your optometrist. If you suffer from chronic or severe dry eyes or experience any eye pain, contact your eye doctor.

Common dry eye symptoms

• Red eyes
• Burning or stinging in eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Contact lens discomfort
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue

How to prevent winter dry eyes

1. Blink often. Blinking helps to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. When we blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the front of the eyes, continuously redistributing the tear film to ensure that the eyes remain hydrated and moist.
2. Try artificial tears. Artificial tears act as a substitute for your natural tears, when your eyes cannot produce enough fluid to maintain moisture. These over-the-counter eye drops or ointments can help relieve mild dry eye symptoms. They can be used as often as needed to increase eye moisture and comfort.

Caution: Avoid using eye drops that claim to remove eye redness, as these drops may help temporarily, but in the long run can actually worsen dry eyes.

3. Clean your eyelids. Your eyelids contain tiny oil producing glands. This oil (meibum) contributes to the tear film, maintaining the tears and ensuring that they do not evaporate too quickly. Cleaning your eyelids from makeup and debris on a daily basis will help to keep your oil producing glands healthy and prevent them from becoming clogged.
4. Warm compresses every night. Warm, wet compresses can help to soothe dry eye symptoms and open any blocked oil glands in the eyelids. Make this part of your bedtime routine to improve eye moisture and help you to relax after a long hard day.
5. Use a humidifier. Dry heat can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly and worsen dry eye symptoms. To protect your eyes (and skin) from drying out, keep a humidifier on throughout the night. Some humidifiers can even be perched on your desk at work, helping to protect your eyes while you’re at the office too.
6. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day is not only healthy, but also helps to keep your skin and eyes hydrated. If water doesn’t appeal to you, try adding lemon or brewing some herbal tea.

Please note: While we live in a fast paced world where coffee is one of the most popular beverages, be mindful of your daily caffeine intake because caffeine is a diuretic and can actually worsen your dry eye symptoms.

7. Wear sunglasses outdoors. Sunglasses with polarized lenses will shield your eyes from harsh winter winds that can cause dry eyes, and harmful UV rays that continue to radiate from the sun even when it’s cloudy outside.
8. Visit your optometrist. If your eyes have the tendency to become severely dry or irritated, visit your optometrist before the winter weather sets in. Your eye doctor can discuss the different treatment options that are available to you, including prescription medication and in-office treatments.

Winter dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable and greatly impact your performance of daily activities. Follow these 8 tips to help your eyes stay moist and comfortable this season— you can even include them in your New Year’s resolutions.

The post 8 Ways to Prevent Winter Dry Eyes appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The demodex mite can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.

Demodex folliculorum is a type of demodex mite that lives mostly within the hair follicles on the face and the eyes and is usually found on the eyelids and lashes.

Demodex mites come out during the night to eat dead skin cells, lay eggs and expel waste products in your eyelid glands and eyelash follicles.

Demodex mites naturally occur on the skin in small amounts and can actually be beneficial for the skin, as they remove the dead skin cells. In small numbers, they typically do not cause any harm or symptoms.

However, if they reproduce in large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the skin and eyes— dry, red, and itchy skin, and/or eczema, as well as severe inflammation of the eyelids, and damage to the oil glands in the eyelid margins, meibomian glands and eyelashes.

How does a demodex mite infestation cause blepharitis?

Blepharitis affects up to 45 percent of people and occurs when the eyelids become inflamed. Blepharitis typically occurs as a result of a blockage in the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes, sometimes as a result of a demodex mite infestation.

Demodex mites become more prevalent with age, and are typically the cause of blepharitis in patients over the age of 60.  

Additionally, patients with chronic rosacea tend to have more demodex mites than people without rosacea, putting them at a higher risk of developing demodex blepharitis.

What are the symptoms of demodex blepharitis?

Common eye symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Redness
• Tearing
• White flakes in your eyelashes
• Burning or stinging
• Eye or eyelid irritation
• Itchy eyes or eyelids
• Foreign body sensation
• Intermittent blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Brittle/loss of eyelashes
• Misdirected eyelashes
• Eye or eyelid infections

Demodex mites can cause blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eyes, styes, chalazion, and ocular rosacea.

If you experience any of these symptoms contact an eye doctor near you so that you can start treating your demodex blepharitis.

SEE RELATED: Do I have Blepharitis?

Diagnosis and treatment

A diagnosis of demodex blepharitis can be confirmed by your eye doctor. Your doctor may use a slit lamp with high magnification to view the mites on your eyelashes or use a microscope to examine an eyelash sample.

The most effective way to eliminate a demodex infestation is to adhere to a daily eye cleansing routine. Cleaning your eyelids with warm water, and applying a warm, wet compress will help to reduce the swelling and keep your eyelids and lashes clean.

Your eye doctor may recommend using a combination of warm compresses and eyelid scrubs. By gently scrubbing your eyelids, you can effectively remove the buildup of excess bacteria from your eyelid margins.

For mild blepharitis, cleaning your lashes with tea tree oil or another antiseptic product may be effective in eliminating the demodex infestation.

However, for moderate to severe cases of blepharitis, your eye doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or anti-parasitic treatment along with a daily cleansing routine. A corticosteroid eye drop or ointment can also help to reduce eyelid inflammation.

In-office eyelid hygiene procedures may be recommended for more intensive blepharitis treatment.

• Eyelid margin cleaning efficiently removes demodex mites from your eyelids and opens clogged meibomian glands.
• Thermal pulsation treatments melt the particles that are blocking the meibomian glands.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy opens clogged eyelid glands to allow for increased oil production into the tear film.

When to see your eye doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of a demodex infestation, blepharitis, or any eyelid discomfort, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

While blepharitis can become a chronic condition, with good eye hygiene and medical interventions, you can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and keep ocular demodex under control.

The post How Does the Demodex Mite Cause Blepharitis? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Blepharitis is one of the most common ocular conditions caused by an inflammation of the eyelids, usually as a result of a blockage in the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes. In some cases, blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea.

Blepharitis can also be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Blepharitis affects up to 45 percent of people— most often, females above age 50.

However, blepharitis can affect people of all ages. The condition is usually not contagious, and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.

Two types of blepharitis

1. Anterior blepharitis occurs on the outer, or front edge of the eyelid— where the eyelashes attach. This type of blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). Although uncommon, anterior blepharitis may also result from allergies or a mite infestation of the eyelashes.

2. Posterior blepharitis occurs in the inner edge of the eyelid— near the eyeball.  This type of blepharitis can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis)— creating a warm invitation for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of other skin conditions, such as scalp dandruff or rosacea.

Symptoms of blepharitis

Many symptoms include:

• Redness
• Itchy eyes
• Dry eyes
• Burning
• Swelling
• Oily eyelids
• Light sensitivity
• Increased tears
• Foreign body sensation
• Discharge
• Crusting on eyelashes or eye corner

In some cases, blepharitis may only cause minor irritation and itching.

However, this condition can also cause more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and corneal inflammation.

It is important to avoid touching or rubbing the irritated area to prevent a secondary infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: What is a Stye?

Risk factors

• Scalp or eyebrow dandruff
• Allergies to eye or face makeup
• Oil gland problems
• Lice or mites on eyelashes
• Medications that affect immune system

How is blepharitis diagnosed?

Blepharitis is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Inform your eye doctor of your symptoms, any other health problems you may have, and all medications you are currently taking.

Your eye doctor will then examine your eye using the following assessments to identify any abnormalities:

• External examination of the eye including skin texture, lid structure, and eyelash appearance.
• Evaluation of lid margins, base of the eyelashes, and meibomian gland openings using magnification and bright light.
• Evaluation of quantity and quality of tears.

The appearance of the eyelid margins will help to determine the type of blepharitis you may be experiencing. 

Staphylococcal blepharitis

• Mildly sticking eyelids
• Thickened lid margins
• Missing and misdirected eyelashes

Seborrheic blepharitis

• Greasy flakes around the base of eyelashes
• Mild redness of the eyelids

Ulcerative blepharitis

• Hard crusts around the eyelashes
• Small sores that ooze and bleed
• Eyelash loss
• Distortion of the front edges of the eyelids
• Chronic tearing
• Corneal inflammation

Meibomian blepharitis

• Redness of the lining of the eyelids
• Blockage of oil glands in the eyelids
• Poor tear quality

How is blepharitis treated?

A range of effective in-office treatments can be provided to eliminate the infection, and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Your eye doctor will determine an appropriate treatment plan, based on the type of infection detected.

In-office eyelid hygiene procedures often are recommended for more effective blepharitis treatment.

Common procedures include:

• Eyelid margin cleaning efficiently removes bacteria, biofilm and demodex mites from your eyelids, and opens clogged meibomian glands.
• Thermal pulsation treatment melts and removes the particles that are blocking the meibomian glands.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy opens clogged eyelid glands to allow for a  normal flow of oils into the tear film.

Medicated eye drops/ointments are prescribed if there is a risk of eye infection. These topical medicines have antibacterial properties that serve to eliminate the microbes on the eyelids.

Your eye doctor may also prescribe oral medication to help clear an infection, or a corticosteroid eye drop or ointment to reduce inflammation.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to start treating your blepharitis.

Prevention

Your eye doctor may recommend using lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and prevent irritation from dryness. Cleaning your eyelids with warm water, and applying a warm, wet compress will also help to reduce swelling and ensure that your eyelids remain clean and free of any crust.

Good hygiene is always important, and in this case can help control blepharitis.

• Wash scalp and face frequently
• Use warm compresses to soak the eyelids
• Gently scrub eyelids to keep them clean

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction, schedule an exam with an eye doctor as soon as possible to obtain a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

The sooner an eye condition is diagnosed, the sooner you will begin to feel better!

The post Blepharitis appeared first on Optometrists.org.