Dry eye is a common condition that can significantly impact your vision and overall eye health, and I'm here to ensure you have the information and resources you need to manage it effectively.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Factors such as aging, environmental conditions, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to this condition.
For low vision patients, managing dry eye is particularly important as it can worsen existing vision issues and affect daily activities.
How Dry Eye Affects Low Vision Patients
For my patients with low vision, dry eye can lead to additional discomfort and make it even more challenging to perform daily tasks. Symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and blurred vision can interfere with activities like reading and using digital devices. Effective management of dry eye can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For those of you experiencing common dry eye symptoms, Dr. Juricic may recommend specific drops like I- DROP PUR, I- DROP PUR GEL or I-DROP MGD
- DROP® PUR is recommended for patients with mild to moderate dry eye looking for advanced relief and comfort. This is the only contact lens compatible drop.
- However I DROP® PUR GEL is recommended for patients diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic dry eye who are looking for the ultimate relief and comfort for their dry eyes as it provides immediate and longer-lasting relief and superior moisturizing and lubrication
- If you notice mucus strands, a mucus tear layer, or plugged meibomian glands, I-DROP - MGD drops are ideal due to their lipid enhancer, which replenishes the missing oily layer in your tears.
Generally, these drops should be used in the morning, at night, and as needed throughout the day. Since the drops Dr. Juricicic recommends are preservative-free, they can be used frequently, even up to every hour if necessary, though most patients find a few times a day sufficient.
They can also be particularly helpful before engaging in activities like going outdoors on windy days, being exposed to air conditioning, or spending long periods in front of screens, which can further dry out your eyes.
Dr. Juricic highly recommends these eye care products as her top choices for managing dry eye and maintaining overall eye health.
These include her favorite preservative-free eye drops for various levels of dryness, a soothing eye relief mask for applying warm compresses, and gentle eyelid and lash wipes to keep your eyelids clean and irritation-free.
Here are some of my tips for managing Dry Eye
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes hydrated.
- Blink Regularly: Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using digital devices, to help keep your eyes lubricated.
- Good Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, which are beneficial for eye health.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays by wearing sunglasses when outdoors. This helps reduce evaporation of tears and shields your eyes from irritants.
- Warm or Hot Compresses: Applying a warm or hot compress to your eyes can help open up oil glands and improve tear quality, providing relief from dry eye symptoms.
- Use Quality Eye Drops: Use preservative-free eye drops to provide relief without the risk of irritation. These are particularly important for those with eye conditions or low vision.