Dry Eye Syndrome
Most of us experience dry eyes from time to time. When that dryness becomes severe and chronic it can be debilitating. Dry eye may cause burning, redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity. The doctors at Iowa EyeCare want to help you find relief. The front surface of the eye is designed to be covered by a thin layer of tears. The tear film is actually a three-layered barrier that functions in many ways to protect the eye and help provide a refracting surface for clear vision. The tear film is made of an outermost lipid layer, a thicker aqueous middle layer and an innermost mucin layer. Tears include water, electrolytes, and many different proteins that work in unison to promote healing and fight infection. Although anyone may acquire symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, some individuals may be at greater risk. Those who are female, over 40 years old, have immunologic conditions, or have had eye surgery may be at increased risk for developing Dry Eye Syndrome. Dry Eye Syndrome is best evaluated with the help of an optometrist. Because there are many different causes for dry eye, there is no single remedy. Many different treatment options exist and you and your doctor should decide together which is right for you. Iowa EyeCare has been a national leader in the successful treatment of patients with dry eyes for many years. If dry eyes are a problem for you, contact us to make an appointment today. We can help. If dry eyes are a problem for you, contact us to make an appointment today. We can help.
Eye Infections
The doctors at Iowa EyeCare are available at any time to care for your sick eye. The eye is susceptible to infection by many types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Some infections are mild, while others can quickly cause permanent vision loss. Viral infections are more common than both bacterial and fungal infections. You can think of a viral eye infection as a “common cold” in the eye. Viral infections are contagious and cause watering, blurred vision and moderate discomfort. Bacterial infections are usually associated with greenish mucus discharge and a “meaty” red eye. Fungal infections are almost always related to foreign material entering the eye from a tree branch, leaf, or other type of vegetative material. While rare, fungal infections can cause damage quickly and need to be treated immediately. In most cases eye drops are successful at treating these infections, but early treatment is critical. Please seek care for a possible eye infection immediately. The doctors at Iowa EyeCare provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Please call 319-377-2222 if you have an emergency.
Eye Allergies
Itchy, red, watery eyes are a classic sign of allergic irritation. Many environmental allergens may stimulate a negative reaction when they contact your eye. Some common allergens in Iowa include ragweed, tree pollen, grass pollen, mold, and animal dander. One way to avoid eye allergies is to avoid the allergen that causes them, but this isn’t always possible. A thorough microscopic eye evaluation is recommended to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Eye Injuries
Traumatic injury to the eye is an emergency and should be cared for by an eye doctor as soon as possible. Many types of eye injuries can cause both immediate and long-term visual consequences, including retinal detachment, cataract, glaucoma, and others. Most eye injuries can be prevented by wearing safety glasses. Always wear some type of eye protection when cutting metal or wood, playing sports, or doing yard work. We know that eye injuries don’t always occur during our regular office hours. Our on-call service will get you in contact with our eye doctors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Please call 319-377-2222 if you have an emergency.