Dry Eye Treatment near Birmingham, AL

The majority of people will experience dry, irritated eyes in their life, but if it continues for a long time or occurs over and over, it could be dry eye syndrome. This very common eye condition is the result of insufficient tears or irregular tear makeup, which could be caused by an underlying illness, certain prescription drugs, or environmental factors. The development of tears is vital to the overall health of the eyes; therefore, if they malfunction, it can result in severe inflammation of the eyes, and even hazy eyesight. Dry eye syndrome is generally caused by an underlying medical condition, and once this underlying condition is uncovered and dealt with, its symptoms can be considerably reduced.

Dr. Young H. Choi provides many different treatment options for anyone in Birmingham, AL experiencing dry eye syndrome. He will give you a complete eye exam to properly diagnose your dry eye and establish whether you have an underlying condition. To find out more about getting help for dry eye syndrome, contact Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to plan your initial visit.

A personalized dry eye treatment plan created by Dr. Choi can achieve remarkable improvements in eye comfort, health, and overall vision with benefits like:

• Improves eye comfort
• Promotes healthy tear production
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Lessens eye strain and fatigue
• Supports healthy, clear vision
• Treatment is quick

Many patients with dry eyes spend a lot of time on digital devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers. Some health conditions and medications also increase your risk for this condition. Anyone who experiences dry eyes and accompanying symptoms like redness or irritation is a candidate for dry eye treatment. If you have tried methods like artificial tears without success, call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center for an assessment. We can recommend the best treatment options to alleviate symptoms.

The basic causes of dry eye syndrome are insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears. The generation of tears has three important parts, and there are specific types of dry eye syndrome depending on which part is impacted. The lacrimal glands are responsible for the actual tears, the meibomian glands secrete the tears’ lubrication, and the goblet cells mix the two together. Dry eye syndrome will often appear whenever any one of these three components of tear generation goes awry. Several different things can influence each of these aspects, including hormonal changes, environmental factors, medical conditions like lupus, and certain prescription medications.

At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, certain patients may have risk factors which make them more likely to develop dry eye syndrome. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk. In addition, certain lymphatic disorders, age, hormonal levels, and vitamin deficiencies can affect your eye health. Talk to your provider at our Birmingham, AL office to find out more.

As an FDA-approved procedure for the treatment of Meibomian gland disease, LipiFlow can effectively treat dry eye syndrome. A combination of localized heat and intermittent pressure is used to target the Meibomian glands to unblock abnormal oil buildup within the eye(s). The specialized LipiFlow treatment device removes blockages from the Meibomian glands, helping them to function properly and create the necessary oils that make the lipid layer of tears. The entire treatment process takes about 12 minutes within our Birmingham, AL facility as the activators are placed on the eyes. 

Following your LipiFlow treatment session at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, our team will provide you with necessary aftercare instructions. Most patients will notice optimal results within 6 – 8 weeks following treatment. You may also need to attend follow-up appointments to have the health of your eyes monitored during recovery. At this time, any additional updates can be made to your procedure plan if necessary.

Is dry eye serious?

Dry eye can affect your daily life, with burning, sensitivity, itching, and the feeling of “grittiness” impacting your normal activities. It can also turn into a serious chronic condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

What are symptoms of dry eye?

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of dry eye can include:

• Eye redness
• Itching
• Stinging or burning
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty with night vision

What causes dry eye?

There are various factors that cause dry eye, which is a disruption of the healthy tear film of your eyes. Common causes include allergies, inflamed eyelid glands, environmental irritants, hormone changes, autoimmune disease, certain medications, and decreased tear production.

Does dry eye go away on its own?

Dry eye may resolve itself on its own, but it can become a chronic condition. If your dry eye has persisted for a long time, it is likely chronic. If your dry eye is persistent, you should contact M.D. Eye Surgery Center to schedule an appointment to address your condition.

How can I treat dry eye?

If your dry eye is chronic, you should always seek medical help. However, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate dry eye that isn’t chronic, including:

• Use eye drops
• Clean your eyelids regularly
• Use a humidifier
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Completely remove all eye makeup
• Take breaks when using the computer for long periods
• Use a warm compress on your eyes
• Avoid irritants (pollution, smoke, allergens, etc.)

Dealing with dry eye syndrome is not only frustrating, but it can also result in reduced vision without treatment. If you have been experiencing dry eye symptoms and trying to get relief from nonprescription solutions, schedule an exam at our Birmingham, AL office. Our great group of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can diagnose and manage multiple types of dry eye syndrome.