Find Relief from the Irritation of Dry Eye Disease
Sometimes nothing feels as uniquely irritating as the sensation of persistent dry eyes! Though some instances of dry eyes are fleeting (but annoying), it becomes a more pressing problem when the issue is chronic.
As with all your optical needs, we’re here to help, so please call us today!
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease describes the condition where your tears are unable to properly lubricate your eyes. This can be due to poor tear quality or too few tears.
When we blink, our lids spread tears across the surface of our eyes, providing a fresh wash of relief and removing any debris. With unreliable lubrication, even blinking can be irritating!
Symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Redness
- Stinging, scratching, or burning sensations
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Stringy mucus near the eye
- Blurry vision
Understanding Your Tears & Their Importance
Tears are a crucial part of your eye’s functioning, and you produce them constantly.
Onions and tears probably have a strong connection in your mind. Did you know tears, just like onions, have layers? 3 layers, in fact!
- The inner mucus layer helps your tears adhere to the surface of the eye.
- The watery middle layer makes up the bulk of your tears and keeps the eye hydrated and clean, and protects the cornea.
- The oily outer layer keeps the surface of the eye smooth and makes sure your tears stay on your eye.
If the equilibrium of your tears is thrown off, it can result in dry eye disease.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
There are a host of reasons dry eye disease occurs. Among the most common are:
- Aging
- Medications
- Environmental factors
- Hormonal changes
- Refractive eye surgeries
Whatever causes your dry eye disease, we’re prepared to find a way to treat it.
Our Dry Eye Treatments
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are a viable option in treating dry eye disease. These specialty lenses sit on the sclera of the eye, vaulting over the cornea and creating a fluid reservoir.
Please talk to your optometrist to see if scleral lenses are suitable for easing your dry eye symptoms.
Restasis
Restasis drops are designed to encourage proper tear production and provide relief from chronic dry eye symptoms. Appropriate use can show a significant change in tear production in as little as 6 months!
Please book an appointment with our caring team and get your eyes back to feeling refreshed!
Our Locations
Altoona
- 515-967-4095
- (515) 967-0262
- 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
- Altoona, IA 50009
Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Ankeny
- 515-964-7355
- (515) 964-8413
- 111 NW 9th St
- Ankeny, IA 50023
Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Johnston
- 515-270-0494
- (515) 270-6463
- 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
- Johnston, IA 50131
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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Our Gallery
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Johnston
- 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
- Johnston, IA 50131
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P: 515-270-0494
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Altoona
- 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
- Altoona, IA 50009
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P: 515-967-4095
-
Ankeny
- 111 NW 9th St
- Ankeny, IA 50023
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P: 515-964-7355