Dry Eye Therapy
in New Prague, Gaylord, & Prior Lake

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Get Relief from Dry Eye with Our Team

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye’s front surface and ensuring clear vision. When your eyes fail to produce adequate tears, it can lead to persistent dryness, irritation, and even vision problems.

Dry eye can affect your productivity and comfort, but the good news is that we can help! Through treatment methods like OptiLIGHT by Lumenis, we can address the root cause of dry eye and help relieve your symptoms. 

Don’t let dry eye slow you down—contact us to schedule your appointment today. 

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The Symptoms of Dry Eye

The symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:

  • A stinging or scratchy sensation in the eyes
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A feeling of having something in your eyes
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Blurred vision or eye fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking treatment from our team is important to help prevent further issues.

Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye, including:

  • Age: Tear production tends to decrease as we age, making dry eye more common in older adults.
  • Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can cause tears to evaporate quickly, potentially leading to dry eye.
  • Screen time: Staring at screens for extended periods reduces blink rate, causing tears to evaporate and potentially leading to dryness.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production.

Different Types of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be classified into 2 main types plus a third combined type:

  • Aqueous deficient dry eye: This occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough of the watery component of tears. Without enough fluid, the eyes can become dry and irritated.
  • Evaporative dry eye: This type is caused by inflammation of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which produce the oily layer of the tear film. Without enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness.
  • Mixed dry eye: This type of dry eye occurs when patients have aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. This means your eyes don’t produce enough tears, and your tear film is unstable at the same time.

Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands line the edge of the eyelids and secrete oils that slow the evaporation of the tear film. 

When these glands become blocked or inflamed, they can’t produce enough oil, causing the tears to evaporate too quickly. This results in dry, irritated eyes and can lead to more severe complications if left untreated.We can help treat dry eye caused by MGD through OptiLIGHT by Lumenis.

OptiLIGHT by Lumenis for Dry Eye

OptiLIGHT by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.

The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.

OptiLIGHT uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality. 

Other Treatment
Options for Dry Eye

At Goldsmith Eye Care, we offer a range of treatment options to manage and alleviate dry eye symptoms. 

Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your dry eye, our team may recommend one or a combination of treatment options. 

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This helps keep the eyes moist and reduces the symptoms of dry eye.

Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can help lubricate the eyes and relieve mild symptoms of dry eye.

Applying warm compresses to the eyes can help open up blocked meibomian glands and improve the flow of oils into the tear film.

Proper eyelid hygiene, including gentle cleaning of the eyelids and lashes, can help manage MGD and reduce dry eye symptoms.

In more severe cases, prescription medications such as anti-inflammatory eye drops may be necessary to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production.

Helping You Navigate Dry Eye

Dry eye is a complex condition, and treatment must be tailored to each patient’s needs. At Goldsmith Eye Care, we take a personalized approach to dry eye treatment. Our team will work with you to determine the right treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and improve your eye health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Schedule your appointment with us today.

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Come Visit Us

New Prague Location

  • 1101 1st St. NE
  • New Prague, MN 56071
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Prior Lake Location

  • 15875 Franklin Trail SE Suite #111
  • Prior Lake, MN 55372
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Gaylord Location

  • 214 4th St. N
  • Gaylord, MN 55334
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