Dry eye

Dry eye is a common condition when the eye does not make sufficient tears or produces poor-quality tears. In Utah, our high altitude and dry climate often make symptoms much worse. Other factors including the natural aging process, extended contact lens wear, certain medical conditions and even some medicines can intensify this condition.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a common condition when the eye does not make sufficient tears or produces poor-quality tears. In Utah, our high altitude and dry climate often make symptoms much worse. Other factors including the natural aging process, extended contact lens wear, certain medical conditions and even some medicines can intensify this condition.

Symptoms of dry eye

  • Fluctuation of vision
  • Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Watering eyes
  • Red eyes

Symptoms of dry eye

  • Fluctuation of vision
  • Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Watering eyes
  • Red eyes

Treatment for dry eye

Dry eye treatments include:

  • Increased water intake- try to drink half your body weight in ounces a day.
  • Decreased caffeine intake.
  • Start an Omega 3 supplement – talk to your physician beforehand about how many milligrams a day is right for you.
  • Use a warm compress – You can buy a special mask or use white rice in a sock. Hold the warm compress on your eyes for 5 minutes at a time, twice a day.
  • Start using a humidifier
  • Redirect air vents away from your face.
  • Start an artificial tear drop.

In more severe cases of dry eye your physician may discuss other options such as:

  • Restasis – a prescription medicine that can make a big impact on treating dry eye. Cyclosporine 0.5% (Restasis) helps decrease any inflammation on the surface of the eye.
  • Xiidra- a prescription medicine which was specifically designed to target inflammation that can cause dry eye.
  • Punctal plugs
  • Serum tears

Treatment for dry eye

Dry eye treatments include:

  • Increased water intake- try to drink half your body weight in ounces a day.
  • Decreased caffeine intake.
  • Start an Omega 3 supplement – talk to your physician beforehand about how many milligrams a day is right for you.
  • Use a warm compress – You can buy a special mask or use white rice in a sock. Hold the warm compress on your eyes for 5 minutes at a time, twice a day.
  • Start using a humidifier
  • Redirect air vents away from your face.
  • Start an artificial tear drop.

In more severe cases of dry eye your physician may discuss other options such as:

  • Restasis – a prescription medicine that can make a big impact on treating dry eye. Cyclosporine 0.5% (Restasis) helps decrease any inflammation on the surface of the eye.
  • Xiidra- a prescription medicine which was specifically designed to target inflammation that can cause dry eye.
  • Punctal plugs
  • Serum tears

See what patients have to say about

Utah Valley Eye!

  • Met some of the best people here. Dr. Cook has picked some of the best support staff. Everyone is professional and friendly. Dr. Cook sets you at ease right away. He explains how he sees it going forward so you can relax about it. He is very professional and yet down to earth in working with you. I felt like I was being put first in all of our conversation. The follow up has been great with lots of questions to make sure they are getting the correct information. I have another procedure in the near future and Dr. Cook is my request.

    Rick Llewelyn

  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much! Mike Olson

    Michael Olson

  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much!

    Walter Nicholes