February 12, 2010
Do You Suffer From Dry Eyes?
Ankeny Family Vision Center has expanded their practice and is now offering a new specialty, Dry Eye Consultations. Dr. Kenneth Hansen and Dr. Mandy Mataya Pietig are passionate about this common condition that is affecting millions of Americans, especially Iowans during the winter months where there is little humidity. Up to six million women and three million men have moderate or severe symptoms according to the Schepens Eye Research Institute. It is one of the most under treated eye diseases.
Are you experiencing any of the dry eye symptoms?
- Dry, tired eyes
- Sandy gritty feeling
- Foreign body sensation
- Blurred Vision
- Excessive tearing (seems contradictory, but true)
- Burning or Stinging
- Light sensitivity
- Itching
- Mucus discharge
- Red Eyes
Other factors such as aging, hormonal changes, medications, smoke, pollution, wind, low humidity, and C-Pap machines may also damage tear film and exacerbate symptoms of dry eye.
What is dry eye?
Dr. Hansen and Dr. Mataya Pietig want you to know that this is a syndrome that has numerous causes relating to the inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. As stated above, this may result in discomfort, visual disturbances and deterioration of the tear film. Blinking is the body’s way of refreshing the natural tear film. Reading, watching television and working on the computer reduces the number of those blinks by nearly half. Because of this, there is potential for damage and inflammation to the ocular surface.
Just as there are various causes of dry eye, Dr. Hansen and Dr. Mataya Pietig use a variety of treatments. Their expertise in providing an accurate diagnosis is essential to your specific and proper treatment. This begins with a comprehensive medical history. Diagnostic tests are also an important part of the exam to determine the causes and severity of each individual condition.
If you believe you suffer from any of the symptoms of dry eye as mentioned above, please call Ankeny Family Vision Center at 515.964.1671 for more information or to schedule your dry eye consultation with Dr. Kenneth Hansen or Dr. Mandy Mataya Pietig. At Ankeny Family Vision Center, you receive the personal vision care you deserve.
