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Dry Eye Treatment

What is Dry Eye?


Understanding dry eye will help you determine the best treatment option. Dry eye occurs when a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears reduce eye infections, wash away foreign matter, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. It’s a common and often chronic problem, especially in older adults.

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Causes of Dry Eye Include:

Water/Aqueous Deficiency
Water/Aqueous Deficiency

Wate/Aqueous Deficiency

Tear production is assessed to determine if the eyes produce enough aqueous fluid to stay hydrated. Insufficient tears can lead to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Oil/Meibomian Gland Deficiency
Oil/Meibomian Gland Deficiency

Oil/Meibomian Gland Deficiency

The oil layer of the tear film is evaluated to ensure it provides a stable barrier against evaporation. Poor oil quality or quantity often results in faster tear evaporation and dryness.

Inflammation
Inflammation

Inflammation

Testing identifies inflammatory markers in the eyes or tear film. Chronic inflammation can damage the tear glands and worsen dry eye symptoms.

Bacteria/Blepharitis
Bacteria/Blepharitis

Bacteria/Blepharitis

The eyelid margins are examined for bacteria that disrupt tear composition. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to irritation and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Lid Dysfunction
Lid Dysfunction

Lid Dysfunction

Eyelid movements and gland function are analyzed to ensure proper tear distribution. Poor blinking or gland issues can prevent the tears from adequately covering the eye.

Allergy
Allergy

Allergy

Allergy testing identifies triggers that may inflame the eyes and worsen dryness. Allergies can disrupt the tear film and lead to chronic irritation.

Environmental
Environmental

Environmental

External factors like wind, screens, or air quality are considered in the evaluation. These factors can reduce tear stability and exacerbate dryness.

Systemic/Autoimmune
Systemic/Autoimmune

Systemic/Autoimmune

Health conditions like autoimmune diseases or hormonal imbalances are reviewed for their impact on tear production. Systemic issues often contribute to persistent dry eye symptoms.


​​​​​​​Treatments

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  • Supplements - Take supplements with essential fatty acids as these may decrease dry eye symptoms.

  • Oil Gland Treatment - Something like LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation helps to unblock oil glands. Placed over your eye, the device delivers a gentle, warm massage to the lower eyelid over about 15 minutes.

  • Allergy Eye Drops - Whenever you are suffering from allergies, be sure to stay hydrated, and use any doctor-recommended eye drops you may have to help reduce irritation.

  • Lid Hygiene - Regularly cleaning your eyelids helps remove debris, bacteria, and excess oil, preventing infections and inflammation. It also promotes the proper functioning of the meibomian glands, ensuring an adequate supply of tears to keep your eyes moisturized.

  • Eyelid Debridement - This procedure will improve gland function, reduce inflammation, and enhance tear film stability, with the goal of relieving dry eye symptoms.

  • Artificial Tears - The best option for mild cases of dry eyes is over-the-counter eye drops. Here are a few tips for selecting the right one:

  • Steroid Eye Drops - These are eye drops to control inflammation on the surface of your eyes (cornea) using the immune-suppressing medication cyclosporine (Restasis) or corticosteroids.

  • Prescription Medications - If your eyelids are inflamed, this can prevent oil glands from secreting oil into your tears. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics to reduce inflammation.

  • Punctal Occlusion - Tear ducts can be plugged with tiny silicone plugs to reduce tear loss. By partially or completely closing your tear ducts, it can keep your tears from leaving your eye too quickly.

  • Autologous blood serum - For serious dry eye that’s not responding to other treatments, these eyedrops are made with a sample of your blood. It’s processed to remove the red blood cells and then mixed with a salt solution.

  • Amniotic Membrane - These membranes promote healing and reduce inflammation by providing a moisture-retaining protective layer on the eye.

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