theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 51 The Optical Shoppe at Bedminster Eye 400 Main Street, Bedminster, NJ 07921 Monday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Email: optical.bedminstereye@comcast.net • (908) 719-2020 Maui Jim • Ray-Ban • Fysh • Tom Ford • Kliik • Lightec • Flexon • Oakley Silhouette • Kate Spade • Longchamp • Salvatore Ferragamo NIKE • Calvin Klein • Pro Design • STATE We accept VSP and most EyeMed Plans ADD a Pair & SAVE! Get 50% off 2nd Pair of Prescription Glasses Cannot be combined with other offers or insurance See optician for details Expires 11/15/25 Excludes Maui Jim Our mission is to provide everything you need for your best vision, from the latest in advances in medical & surgical care to selecting the right eyeglasses. We Have The Latest Styles! Find Your Perfect Frames! Please scan the QR code to visit our eyeglass gallery! f you have dry eye, it’s essential to consult with an ophthalmologist or optometrist to get an evaluation and manage your condition. You may have to try several different treatments to find what works best for you. Q. What is dry eye? A. Dry eye is a condition that affects the layers of tears that cover your cornea. Dry eye happens when you don’t have enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Q. Are tears really important? A. Yes! Tears are a natural part of expressing our emotions, whether we’re happy or sad. They also help keep our eyes moist and clear, allowing us to see clearly. When we blink, a tear film forms over our eye, making it smooth and clear. This tear film is composed of three layers: oily, watery, and mucus, each of which is essential for maintaining eye moisture. When tears function properly, we hardly notice them. However, if the quality or amount of tears is compromised, we can develop dry eye. Q. What are the symptoms of dry eye? A. Symptoms of dry eye include: • Red, irritated, stinging, burning, blurred vision • Scratchy, gritty feeling like something is in your eye • Watery eyes and light sensitivity • Mucus discharge • Contact lens intolerance Q. What causes dry eye? A. Eye dryness may occur on its own or along with medical conditions. As we age, hormonal changes decrease tear production, affecting both men and women. It’s more common in women, especially those who have gone through menopause. Contributing factors: • Medical conditions: neurological disorders, eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, endocrine conditions • Surgeries: LASIK, cataract, and cornea surgery • Lifestyle and environmental factors: digital screen time, contact lens use, smoking, allergies, weather • Medications: antihistamines, nasal decongestants, blood pressure, Parkinson’s, antidepressants, others Q. How is dry eye diagnosed? A. Using various tests, your eye doctor will begin with a basic eye exam, examining your eyelids, the surface of your eye, and your blinking habits. You may also get a test that assesses the quality or thickness of your tears, or how quickly you produce them. Ideally, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years so that signs of dry eye can be detected before you experience symptoms. Q. How is Dry Eye treated? A. Treatments include: • Treating Dry Eye Culprits: Your ophthalmologist may recommend warm eye compresses, massaging eyelids, or certain eyelid cleaners. • Adding Tears: Artificial tears are like your own tears. You can use them as needed and buy them without a prescription. • Increasing Tears: Prescription eye drop medication helps your eyes make more of their own tears. • Saving Tears: Everyone’s eyelids have a tiny opening for tear drainage. Your ophthalmologist may suggest blocking this opening with removable silicone or gel plugs (punctal plugs) to keep your tears in longer or recommend surgery that permanently closes your tear ducts. American Academy of Ophthalmology Dry Eye Self-Help Tips: • If you wake up with dry, scratchy eyes, use artificial tear ointment or thick eye drops before bed. • Use a humidifier or a pan of water in the room to add moisture to dry air. • Avoid environmental triggers: cigarette smoke, allergens, hair dryers, air vents, and fans blowing towards you. • Wear wrap-around glasses in windy areas. • Give your eyes a rest: Take frequent breaks when you’re reading or using a computer. Blink often to help your tear production. 400 Main Street, Bedminster • 908-781-2020 Teaneck Eye and Laser Center • 201-833-8333 Do You Suffer From Dry Eye? ASK THE EYE DOCTOR I
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