Dry Eye

A multifactorial disease impacting the tears of your eyes.

Although commonly called dry eye, the more technical term is an ocular surface disease (OSD). OSD’s contributing factors include an unstable tear film, medications, hormone levels, decreased meibum production from blocked glands, insufficient aqueous production, bacteria build-up on the eyelid, and inflammation in the eye.

Symptoms of OSD that can usually be managed successfully include:

Dryness
Scratchiness
Burning

Dry Eye Diagnosis

Dry eyes are detected through a comprehensive examination of the eye. When combined with a thorough patient history including medications and environmental factors, our doctors have a variety of methods to test the quantity and quality of your tears. Examination typically includes an external evaluation of the cornea and eyelid while assessing the effectiveness of your blinks and the integrity of your corneal surface.
Further diagnosis will also involve the use of new technologies and dyes to detect microscopic damage to eye structures, and analyze flow, stability, and volume of your tear film. Once the appropriate diagnosis is made, an individual dry eye treatment plan will be created.

Dry eyes can cause scratchy, watery, blurry or painful eyes. Due to the growing need for relief, many options are now available over the counter in addition to prescription medications.

Artificial tears are an easy way to combat the effects of dry eyes. They are used to supplement your normal tear production. These drops are over-the-counter and come in two forms, preserved and preservative-free. *Preservative-free options are generally less likely to irritate the eye as they have fewer additives.* "Redness-reducing" eye drops should be avoided as they typically, further dry the eye.
Warm compresses can also promote a healthy tear film and naturally improve the quality of your tears. By using warm packs—*use with caution as the eyelids are tender*—for 5-10 minutes on the eyes, you can soften natural oils and help open the glands within your eyelids. This method decreases the evaporation of fluid from the eye which is believed to be the leading contributor of dry eye.
Blocking tear ducts through the use of silicone-style plugs can be an effective way to manage low tear production by allowing tears to remain in the eye longer and lubricate its surface.
Medications designed to increase tear production can also be prescribed by our doctors, on their own or in combination with other treatment options. Many new medications have been introduced to the market so feel free to consult with us which might be the best option for you. Self-care can often be enough to make a difference and is as simple as taking computer breaks every twenty minutes, wearing sunglasses, taking Omega-3 supplements, and increasing water intake.

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Dry Eye Treatment

Blephex

BlephEx is a procedure used to clean eyelids and reduce the build-up of bacteria. It is mainly used to treat blepharitis, which happens when the tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelids become clogged.

Bruder Mask

This is a moist heat therapy for the meibomian glands which secrete the oil component of the tear film. As the glands are heated, they become less clogged, and oil flow improves. Use as a cold compress for tired, puffy eyes.

Lid Scrubs

It is safe for use on lashes, eyelids, and face, and may contain the active ingredient tea tree oil to help reduce microbes.

Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian glands produce the oil component of your tears. This is an in-office eyelid procedure to unblock clogged oil glands. It targets the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye by improving natural oils.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal Plugs are medical inserts inserted into the eye’s drainage system to keep natural tears in your eyes longer. These are often used when various forms of eye drops are ineffective at relieving dry eye.

Restasis Prescription Drops

Our Doctors may prescribe medications to increase tear production or decrease eye inflammation. We will consult with you, address your symptoms, and determine the best course of treatment.