November is here and with it comes the sad realization that our beautiful Montana Fall has ended. As we approach the coming winter, I like to take a step back and think about what this means for all of my dry eye patients and to review some of the new and exciting things happening in dry eye treatment. There is seemingly no reprieve for those suffering from ocular surface disease when it comes to the climate in the Last Best State. Summer brings about forest fires and smokey air, the autumn winds have no benefit for anyone experiencing dry eyes, and finally our cold winters ensure that heat is blowing in every building we enter and defrost in the car is set to high. This winter I want to encourage all of my dry eye patients to finally get that humidifier that you have been thinking about, aim those vents in the car away from you and do not hesitate to reach for those artificial tears when the furnace kicks on in your home! These things might seem straightforward or even trivial, but they can make a huge difference in comfort. 

While on the topic of artificial tears, I am always on the hunt for the latest and greatest lubricating drops for my patients. If you’re familiar with skin care products, you may have come across the term, “Hyaluronic Acid”. This molecule, which is known for its hydrating properties, has finally made its way into artificial tears. I love this ingredient as it has three properties that make it beneficial to my dry eye patients: It attracts and retains water, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and since it’s naturally occuring it does not typically cause adverse reactions. All of that to say, this ingredient can really help! While Hyaluronic Acid hasn’t reached every corner of the eye drop market, there are a few manufacturers who have adopted this new molecule. Eye drop giant Refresh has released a new drop called Refresh Relieva and they are the first of the major pharmaceuticals to adopt this new technology. One of my personal favorites is Optase Hylo which has also had a lot of positive feedback from my patients and comes in an easy to use preservative free bottle.

Now if you can believe it, the Flathead Valley grocery stores and pharmacies aren’t always good at keeping the newest and most cutting edge dry eye technology in stock! So, we have taken it upon ourselves at Glacier Eye to stock Optase products at our front desk for our patient’s convenience. Not only do we have Optase Hylo, we also have microwavable heat masks for those warm compresses, tea tree oil based cleansers for your eyelids and artificial tear ointments to keep your eyes moist all night long. No prescription needed, come by anytime you need to replenish your eye drop supply. I hope some of this helps you this winter as the air gets cold and dry. We over at Glacier Eye are always happy to help you with any and all of your dry eye needs, and now you can even schedule online. Hope to see you soon!