More than 16 million Americans live with dry eye disease, a common condition causing irritation and inflammation. Many factors can contribute to dry eyes, making this condition difficult to address. Our team can determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes during a comprehensive eye exam.
We understand everyone’s dry eye situation is different, and we cater our treatments to your unique needs. Visit Dr. Jeannine Fowler in Fort Myers for a comprehensive look at your dry eyes. We can help relieve your symptoms.
Dry eye disease is an often chronic condition where your tears cannot effectively lubricate your eyes. Your tear film has 3 layers (oil, water, and mucus) that work together to keep your eye’s surface clean, moisturized, and protected. When complications arise in the tear film, it can lead to irritation and inflammation.
Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, but the primary causes are decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or both. You may suffer dry eyes due to tear production decreasing with age, side effects from medications, or medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome. Your tears may evaporate faster due to meibomian gland dysfunction, infrequent blinking, environmental issues like smoke or wind, or other factors.
Dry eyes can lower your quality of life, but different treatments can help you find relief. Dr. Fowler can recommend a customized treatment plan to help manage your dry eyes, including lifestyle changes, eye drops, or more specialized treatments.
Click through the options to the right to learn more about the dry eye treatments we offer at the Eyes Etc. Optical Dry Eye Center of Excellence.
Environmental & Lifestyle Changes
Environmental and lifestyle changes may be all you need to relieve dry eye symptoms. We may recommend you drink more water, turn down the fan circulating air in your room, or blink more frequently when working.
Artificial Tears & Gels
Artificial tears can help provide moisture when your eyes are dry throughout the day. You can often use these as much as you need, depending on the type of eye drops you receive. Dry eye gels can help provide comfort and replenish eye moisture overnight.
Eyes Etc. Optical can provide instructions on how to use artificial tears and gels safely.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are small medical devices inserted into the eye’s tear ducts. These plugs prevent fluid from draining from the eyes too quickly, helping keep the eye’s surface lubricated and comfortable. Punctal plugs can be temporary or semi-permanent, depending on your dry eye needs.
Dry eyes are more than an annoyance, but you don’t need to live with irritation anymore. We can recommend an effective treatment plan that meets your unique dry eye needs.
Contact Eyes Etc. Optical at the Dry Eye Center of Excellence if you experience dry eye disease symptoms, and we can help determine and treat the cause of your discomfort.