By Dr. Eric Drake, O.D.

This is one of the most common questions we as Eye Care Providers get here in southern Utah. With all the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities we enjoy here, our dry environment and air conditioning doesn’t help with these symptoms. The most common cause for these symptoms is due to Ocular Surface Disease, commonly called Dry Eye.

Of those suffering from this disease, about 85 percent suffer from what’s called Evaporative Dry Eye. Common symptoms of ocular surface disease include dryness, grittiness, redness, irritation, burning, eye fatigue and watering eyes. These symptoms can hinder people’s daily activities such as reading, using the computer, wearing contact lenses and being outdoors on windy days.

This disease stems from a deficiency in the oily lipid layer of the eye’s natural tear film. The oily lipids serve as a protective layer so that the aqueous (water) layer of the eye’s tear film does not evaporate. SouthWest Vision is the only office in Southern Utah to offer the first and only FDA approved treatment for Evaporative Dry Eye, the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation Treatment®. This new and advanced in-office treatment is for patients with blocked meibomian glands. In effect, LipiFlow targets the root cause of dry eye and helps unblock the glands so they can resume their natural function and create a healthy tear film.

The joy and relief that I see on many of our wonderful patients faces after receiving this treatment have shown me how debilitating dry eyes can be to someone’s quality of life. My favorite phrase to hear when I see patients after treatment is, “I don’t think about my eyes anymore.” That’s our goal here at SouthWest Vision. We want you to see clearly and feel great so that your eyes won’t hold you back from what you want to do.

So, if you’re tired of dealing with burning red eyes and using artificial tear drops constantly, call SouthWest Vision today to schedule an appointment for your Dry Eye evaluation. Call us at 435-673-5577 or see us online at www.SouthWestVision.com.