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Dry Eye Center


Are your eyes often dry, itchy, or irritated? Don't let dry eye syndrome affect your daily life. Discover how the Dry Eye Center at Accent Vision Specialists can offer relief and restore eye comfort.

Do you find yourself rubbing your eyes frequently or experiencing that uncomfortable sensation of grittiness in your eyes? You're not alone. Dry eye syndrome (DES) commonly impacts your quality of life. At Accent Vision Specialists, we specialize in treating dry eye disease to help you find relief and regain your eye comfort.

Close up of red eye before and after treatment or eye drop
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The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary in intensity but often include:

  • Dry, itchy eyes
  • Burning or stinging sensations
  • Irritation and redness
  • Watery eyes (ironically, due to compensatory excessive tearing)
  • Blurred vision
  • The sensation of a foreign object in the eye
  • Pain and discomfort

Tears play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your eyes. They help wash away debris, protect against infections, and keep the surface of your eyes moist and clear. You can experience that scratchy feeling, constant dryness, and even stinging when tears are insufficient.

tired woman feel pain and touching dry eyes
tired woman feel pain and touching dry eyes

Causes of Dry Eye Disease


Dry eyes can develop for various reasons, including:

  • Natural aging or hormonal changes
  • Certain medications, like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs
  • Environmental factors such as dry and windy climates
  • Medical conditions like diabetes, blepharitis, and lupus
  • Extended use of contact lenses or conditions that affect eyelid closure

Women over 50 are particularly susceptible to dry eye disease, as hormonal changes can affect tear production. Additionally, individuals with specific medical conditions are at a higher risk.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease


Diagnosing dry eye disease involves a comprehensive eye exam and a discussion of your symptoms. Our experienced eye doctors might also perform tests to evaluate tear quality and quantity. These tests include the Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer tests. These tests help us determine the root cause of your dry eyes and tailor a suitable treatment plan.

How We Treat Dry Eye Disease


At the Dry Eye Center at Accent Vision Specialists, we offer a range of advanced treatment options to address dry eye disease effectively. After a thorough examination and symptom evaluation, our eye doctors may recommend the following:

  • Home Therapy: Warm masks and improved eyelid hygiene
  • Meibomian Gland Expression: Relieves irritation and stabilizes vision
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: For moderate-to-severe dry eyes
  • Prescription Eye Drops: Restasis®, Xiidra®, and steroids
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Naturally found in foods like salmon and flaxseed
  • TearCare® System: Innovative procedure to restore gland function
Young african american man applying eye drop sitting on sofa at home

Take this quiz to find out if you could benefit from TearCare.

When is Dry Eye an Emergency?


Don't hesitate to seek emergency care if you're experiencing severe pain, eye discharge, inflammation, or significant discomfort due to dry eye disease. At the Dry Eye Center at Accent Vision Specialists, we're here to help, even outside regular business hours. Contact us immediately if you have concerns about your eye health.

Take the first step towards comfortable and clear vision. Contact Accent Vision Specialists today at 505-984-8989 or https://www.accentvisionsantafe.com to request an appointment. Let us help you say goodbye to dry eye discomfort and hello to brighter, healthier eyes.

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