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Dry Eye Clinic

Oregon Trail Eye Clinic 

The treatment of dry eye has changed and evolved drastically over the years.  Not only have treatments advanced, research has uncovered more potential causes and triggers of dry eye and ocular inflammation.  This common condition can be complicated to treat with its many variables and management options, however identifying a cause is always the first step.  We are now offering our patients new treatments.

What Will Oregon Trail Eye Center Do For My Dry Eye Disease?

Outcome Focused

At Oregon Trail Eye Center we are empathetic of how frustrating and debilitating dry, irritated eyes can become if overlooked.  Therefore, we will make it our objective to spend the extra time, use the latest technology and research based analysis to diagnosis and manage your dry eye disease.  We will evaluate all possible treatment options and implement therapy strategies aimed at your individual needs and very best outcome. 

Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and begin the first steps towards dry eye relief.

What is Dry Eye Disease? (DED)

Often the source for frustration and patients and clinicians alike; Dry eye disease (DED) affects approximately 30 million in the United States, and this number is growing in both young and old adults.  DED can be progressive, with major consequences for a patient's vision and quality of life, yet it remains notoriously unappreciated, misdiagnosed and undertreated.  So what is it exactly??

In 2017, dry eye disease was defined by the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II as:

“Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles.”

In layman's terms this translates to:
A condition in which a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish their eye(s). Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision.  Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage is not in balance. 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

While over eighty percent (80%) of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids —a condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye —many factors can cause this disease.  Including:

Age — Higher prevalence of DED occurs in those over 50-years of age. 

Gender — The majority of dry eye sufferers are woman.  This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether it be from the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause. 
Medications — Including decongestants, antidepressants and blood pressure medications. 
Environmental — Dry wind or air and dry climates can evaporate tears.  Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers can also cause tears to evaporate. 

Auto-immune disorders — Sjogren's disease and arthritis, amongst others. 

How Do I know If I Have Dry Eye Disease??

Dry Eye Disease not only diminishes your quality of life, it also makes daily activities such as exercise, reading, or driving difficult and frustrating tasks. Do any of these common symptoms seem familiar? 

  • Itchy, scratchy/gritty, burning eyes

  • Excessive tearing and discharge

  • Eyes that feel dry or tired

  • Increased eye sensitivity

  • Frequent eye drop use

  • Discomfort that increases or worsens as the day passes

Feel that you may have dry eye disease?  Download and complete our dry eye quiz and see how severe your symptoms are.  This form may also be submitted to our office - Fine the instructions at bottom of quiz.

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