Dry Eye Therapy in Mandan, ND

Dry Eye Therapy

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The delicate balance of moisture across your eye’s surface can shift without warning, transforming the simple act of blinking into an uncomfortable reminder of what you’ve lost. Unfortunately, dry eye affects millions of Americans, causing symptoms that range from mild irritation to crippling discomfort. This can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer. What begins as occasional scratchiness can progress into a chronic condition requiring professional treatment to restore comfort and protect your vision.

At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced team understands how eye conditions like dry eye can impact your quality of life. With over 70 years of serving the Mandan and Bismarck communities, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to address the primary causes of your dry eye symptoms, providing lasting relief.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

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Dry eye affects nearly 16 million Americans and occurs when your tear film becomes unstable, either because your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Your tear film contains three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a mucus inner layer. When any of these components becomes imbalanced, the protective barrier over your eye’s surface breaks down.

Common symptoms include burning, stinging, scratchy sensations, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and the sensation that something is in your eye. Many patients experience worsened symptoms in dry environments, while using digital devices, or during activities that require sustained visual attention. Environmental factors, such as wind, smoke, air conditioning, and heating systems, can significantly worsen symptoms.

The condition affects people of all ages, but it becomes more prevalent with age, particularly after the age of 50. Hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of dry eye.

Types of Dry Eye

Two primary types of dry eye exist, each requiring different treatment approaches. 

Aqueous-Deficient

Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when your tear glands don’t produce enough tears, often related to aging, medications, or autoimmune conditions. 

Evaporative

Evaporative dry eye, the more common form, happens when oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.

Many patients experience mixed dry eye, combining elements of both types. Determining which type affects you requires professional evaluation using specialized diagnostic equipment available at our eye care practice.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention

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Simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve dry eye symptoms and prevent progression. Staying hydrated supports healthy tear production, while using a humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air. Taking regular breaks during computer work follows the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Protecting your eyes from wind and UV exposure with wraparound sunglasses helps prevent tear evaporation. Avoiding smoke and other eye irritants reduces inflammation and discomfort. Many patients find relief by adjusting air vents away from their faces and using preservative-free artificial tears regularly.

Diet plays a supporting role in eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, fish, and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of tears. Staying well-hydrated throughout the day supports overall eye health and tear production.