Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye Treatment Q and AThe first step towards relief from the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease is to be evaluated by an Accredited Dry Eye Center. We provide the highest quality of dry eye care by using advanced ophthalmic diagnostic techniques and treatments.

If you suffer from any dry eye symptoms we may take a sample of tears from each eye and use TearLab to measure osmolarity. Osmolarity is the accepted standard for diagnosing dry eye disease. The sample required is very small, thanks to TearLab's advanced technology. The test will give us a meaningful measurement of the health and stability of the tear film, results are immediate.

We may also perform the the TearScience® evaluation. The LipiView® interferometer is the first device of its kind that enables us to assess your tear film by capturing images that measure the thickness of the lipid (oil) component. This process is non-invasive and takes about five minutes. Next is a closer look at what’s happening at the gland level. With the use of the Meibomian Gland EvaluatorTM we can examine the quantity and quality of lipids (oils) being released from your glands. Knowing what is causing your Dry Eye will help us determine the best treatment option.

Treatment

There are many treatments available for dry eye, we may recommend (not in any specific order):

1. LipiFlow® - LipiFlow® is a new and only FDA approved procedure designed to treat the root cause of Evaporative Dry Eye, blocked Meibomian glands. Opening and clearing these blocked glands can allow them to resume natural production of lipids (oils) needed for a healthy tear film. Some treatments attempt to add more liquid to your tears, but without the complex natural oil, tears continue to evaporate faster than produced. At the heart of the LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is the Activator (eyepiece). The Activator uses patented, precisely controlled heat applied to the inner eyelid with adaptive pressure encouraging your body to resume the natural production of lipids (oils) needed for your tear film. Its single-use design and built-in sensors ensure a safe, sterile treatment. The treatment is performed in right in our office.

2. Adding Tears - Artificial tears are similar to your own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture temporarily. Artificial tears are available without a prescription. There are many artificial tears and ointments available so we will recommend specific drops you may use. We DO NOT recommend Visine or Clear Eyes because they constrict the blood vessels in the eye. When the blood vessels constrict, the eyes appear whiter but when the medication wears off, the blood vessels rebound and the eyes are more red and irritated than they were originally.

3. RESTASIS® - Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase your eyes’ natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. It is important to understand that RESTASIS® is not an artificial tear. It is a prescription medicine. Artificial tears do not increase the eyes' ability to produce their own tears, only prescription RESTASIS® can do that.

4. Punctal Plugs - A punctal plug is a small medical device that is inserted into the tear duct. The plugs work by temporarily blocking the tear drainage channel, in the inner corner of the eye, which keeps more moisture in the eye. Punctal plugs usually are considered when non-prescription or prescription eye drops fail to relieve your dry eye condition.

5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - IPL treatments are painless and done right in the office. A small handheld device is used to administer pulses of light to the cheek and surrounding area. This treatment improves the function of the eye glands that help lubricate the eye. Depending on the severity of the dysfunction, some patients may need fewer treatments, while others may need more.

Without any treatment, dry eye can lead to an inflamed cornea and other complications. Talk to us today if you suffer from dry eye and get the relief you deserve.

How to Relieve Dry Eye Symptons:

1. Properly Cleanse Lids & Lashes

Daily use of a 1% hypochlorous acid solution eyelid scrub, like Avenova, and properly cleansing eyelids removes bacteria known to cause dry eye. Avenova gently manages bacteria overpopulation and reduces the symptoms of dry eyes, allowing users to get on with their life.

2. Using Warm Compresses

Warm eye compresses stimulates the meibomian glands to produce more tears, thereby clearing these glands and allowing natural oils to flow back onto the eye, as well as preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. Warm compresses also improves blood circulation and helps to relax the eye, which may increase comfort.

3. Caring for Eyelids & Lashes

Using tools that can help get a closer look at what could be causing irritation and keeping a close eye on symptoms and progress.