Visiting a dry eye specialist

Posted by Gabriel Fulton on June 5th, 2018

Facing eye problems is not easy and not going to a specialist only worsens the situation. It is recommended for everyone to visit an ophthalmologist, especially when they have certain issues. For example, dry eyes can disrupt vision and it can be very painful. A dry eye specialist will conduct the necessary investigations to see whether the problem is simple or requires medical intervention. Visiting a specialist clinic is encouraged and you can get in touch with Nika Priest-Allen, MD.

First of all, it is important to understand what dry eyes are and how they affect a person’s life. The tear-flow balance system is disrupted and simple elements cause dryness, such as air conditioning or heat. There are certain diseases that cause such issues as well and it is known that a woman’s eyes dry out once she reaches menopause. In case a person is taking medication, these can cause side effects that lead to dry eyes. Birth control pills, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, sleeping pills, pain relievers, antidepressants are some examples. At early stages, the issues is easy to control, but complications can occur if it is left untreated.

This means that the best solution is contacting a dry eye specialist, a professional and experienced doctor that knows everything about the subject and what the best treatment to follow is. Many people begin taking over the counter drops and they prefer home remedies to take care of the problem, especially with itching and redness. Artificial tears, known as eye drops, help in a certain manner as they lubricate the eyes. Of course, it comes a time when these fail or they lose their effectiveness. Finding the right specialist is a challenge as not all ophthalmologists specialize in the same area of practice. Going through their level of specialization is highly recommended, to make sure you visit the right specialist from the beginning and you don’t waste your time.

During the initial consultation, the specialist examines the eyes thoroughly, including the tears and blockages, to get to the root of the problem and find out what causes the dryness. Several tests are conducted as well, including the one meant to measure the eye’s rate of producing tears. After all results are confirmed and the reason of the problem is known, the specialist will provide the patient the right treatment. These vary depending on each case. One example includes punctual plugs, which are small devices that block drainage once they are placed in tear ducts. They have the purpose of raising the eye’s moisture levels and once the doctor places them, there is no recovery time needed and the person will not feel them. The insertion process may cause slight discomfort.

There are certain eye drops that require prescription and the specialist knows exactly what is needed and they can prescribe the right kind, especially as they know the patient’s condition and what they require. Some of the eye drops heightens tear production in a natural manner. The doctor will point out from the beginning how to take the drops, how many times per day to use them and for how long. It is highly important to follow directions and go to a consultation afterwards, to check the eyes’ condition and if the symptoms faded away. Many people suffer from dry eyes and it is not something to panic about. Ophthalmologists are well aware of the aspect and they are testing new treatment options, so that more and more people gain confidence in using their services and relieve discomfort and future problems.

Choosing an eye specialist might not be very easy, as many people don’t even know where to start looking. Ideally, it is best to find a clinic within the location and check the areas of practice and how many experts activate there. This way, you can choose a specialist based on the issue you are facing. For example, if you are looking for a cataract surgeon and a glaucoma specialist, you can count on Nika Priest-Allen, MD. The amount of experience and training a doctor has in the field must not be neglected and you can always look for reviews and read previous testimonials and find out if patients recommend the office or not.

Are you currently suffering from dry eyes? Don’t postpone the issue and don’t settle with discomfort, as you can always visit a dry eye specialist. Right here you can find a specialist for each area of practice, including Nika Priest-Allen, MD, trained in glaucoma.

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Gabriel Fulton

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Gabriel Fulton
Joined: October 23rd, 2017
Articles Posted: 343

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