Relief for Irritated, Dry Eyes Dry Eye Treatment in Raleigh and Oxford, NC

Dry, irritated eyes can make every day feel like a challenge, interfering with work, sleep, and overall comfort. If you’re struggling with discomfort and blurred vision caused by chronic dry eye, advanced treatments like IPL, radiofrequency, and LipiFlow can target the root cause and provide lasting relief. At New Century Ophthalmology, we utilize cutting-edge treatments and tailor them to your unique needs, helping you achieve healthier, more comfortable eyes.

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Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes fail to produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated, which can lead to symptoms like irritation, redness, blurry vision, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, millions of individuals over the age of 50 experience dry eye, and its impact on comfort and vision can range from mild discomfort to significant disruption in daily life.

Dry eye is caused by issues with the basal tears, which consist of three critical layers: oil, water, and mucus. These layers work together to keep the eyes hydrated and protected. When one or more layers are deficient, tear evaporation or instability can occur, leading to symptoms.

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Common Causes of Dry Eye

Recognizing the causes and seeking professional care is the first step to finding relief. Common causes of dry eye include the following:

  • Medications: Many prescription and over-the-counter medications list dry eye as a side effect.
  • Age: Tear production naturally decreases with age, making older adults more susceptible.
  • Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are common contributors.
  • Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to wind, dust, or air conditioning can exacerbate dryness.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Extended screen time, contact lens use, and insufficient blinking during computer use are significant triggers.

When to Consider Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye treatment is essential for individuals experiencing persistent discomfort, vision challenges, or other symptoms that interfere with daily life. While occasional dryness can be normal, chronic symptoms may indicate dry eye syndrome, which requires professional care to prevent further irritation or complications. You should consider dry eye treatment if you experience any of the following:

  • A gritty or scratchy sensation, as if something is in your eye.
  • Burning, stinging, or redness in the eyes.
  • Blurred vision, especially after prolonged screen time or reading.
  • Sensitivity to light or difficulty driving at night.
  • A sudden intolerance to wearing contact lenses.

Dry eye is often caused by factors such as aging, certain medications, environmental conditions, or underlying health issues like autoimmune disorders. If you’re noticing these symptoms frequently or they’re impacting your quality of life, it’s time to seek help.

If you’re seeking dry eye treatment in Raleigh or Oxford, NC, New Century Ophthalmology uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the cause and severity of your dry eye syndrome. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and restore your eye health. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward comfortable vision.

Your Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye treatment encompasses a range of therapies designed to alleviate the discomfort and visual disturbances caused by dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to symptoms like irritation, redness, and blurry vision. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, treatment options may include lifestyle adjustments, prescription medications, or advanced therapies such as LipiFlow, IPL, or radiofrequency. At New Century Ophthalmology, we offer advanced treatments designed to target the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome and restore tear stability:

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL therapy uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation and stimulate the meibomian glands, improving tear film quality and reducing symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
  • Radiofrequency: This innovative therapy applies controlled radiofrequency energy to the eyelid area, gently heating the glands to stimulate natural oil production and promote tear stability.
  • LipiFlow: A cutting-edge, FDA-approved treatment that combines heat and pressure to unclog the meibomian glands, restoring natural oil flow and addressing one of the most common causes of dry eye syndrome.

Our personalized treatment plans ensure that your care is tailored to your specific needs, helping you achieve lasting relief and improved eye health.

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Preventing Dry Eye Symptoms

While professional treatment is essential for managing chronic dry eye syndrome, there are steps you can take to prevent or minimize symptoms in your daily life. Small adjustments to your environment and habits can have a significant impact on your eye comfort.
Consider these strategies:

  • Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.
  • Limit Screen Time: Take regular breaks when using digital devices and blink more often.
  • Adjust Your Environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and avoid direct exposure to fans or air conditioning.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support natural tear production.
  • Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide temporary relief for occasional dryness.

By incorporating these preventative measures, you can complement your professional treatment plan and maintain better eye health.

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Why Choose New Century Ophthalmology?

New Century Ophthalmology is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions for dry eye syndrome tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and offer personalized treatment plans, including options like IPL, LipiFlow, and radiofrequency therapy.

With a patient-first approach, we’re committed to improving your comfort, vision, and overall quality of life. If you’re ready to enjoy lasting relief from dry eye symptoms, schedule your consultation at New Century Ophthalmology today.

Expert Care No Matter Your Circumstances

Access to expert eye care shouldn’t be a barrier for anyone. At New Century Ophthalmology, we provide discounted rates for uninsured patients, enabling individuals to receive routine care and life-changing surgeries like cataract treatment and diabetes-related eye care. Our bilingual staff is here to support Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring every visit is seamless and welcoming. We’re dedicated to making world-class care available to everyone in our community, regardless of their financial or language needs.

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Dry Eye Treatment FAQ

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can result from insufficient tear production, rapid tear evaporation, certain medications, environmental factors, or underlying health conditions.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

Dry eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates tear volume, quality, and overall eye health.

What treatments are available for dry eye?

Depending on the severity and cause, treatments range from artificial tears and prescription medications to advanced options like IPL, LipiFlow, and radiofrequency therapy.

Can dry eye be cured?

While chronic dry eye may not have a cure, effective treatments can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve eye health.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Preventative measures include protecting your eyes from wind and UV rays, taking breaks during screen time, staying hydrated, and using artificial tears as needed.

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