Dry eye is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or do not produce a quality of tear that will keep the eyes comfortable. As a result, your eyes may feel gritty or itchy and you may experience stinging and burning. This can lead to poor vision or vision that fluctuates.
Treatment for Dry Eye
DRY EYE OVERVIEW
What causes dry eye? Who is at risk?
Dry eye is an inflammatory condition that results in an abnormal and irritating tear film. Inflammation may arise from environmental factors as well as internal inflammation (in some cases autoimmune diseases).
Other risk factors include:
- Contact lens wear
- Living in a dry climate
- Previous eyelid surgery, or eyelids that do not close completely
- Use of multiple medications
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation. In most cases, it is a chronic progressive condition in which the oil-producing glands (Meibomian glands) become dysfunctional over time. The diminished flow of oil along with overpopulation of bacteria and enzyme production results in redness and discomfort. The oil component of your tears, when unhealthy due to blepharitis, causes tears to evaporate too quickly from the eyes’ surface.
Other reasons why you may have dry eyes
Eyelid Abnormalities
There are many anatomical abnormalities that can change the position of the eyelids, which affects how the tears interact with the eye’s surface. Depending on the severity of the treatment, you may be prescribed medication or eyelid surgery to correct the condition.
Autoimmune Conditions
There are many autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of the body. These conditions can affect the body’s ability to produce quality tears. Patients with autoimmune conditions benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach with an ophthalmologist and a rheumatologist.
Symptoms of dry eye
- Burning or stinging sensation in your eye.
- Constant itchiness in your eye.
- Feeling of something stuck in your eye.
- White discharge at the corners of the eye.
- Pinkness or redness in the eye.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Eye pain or eye fatigue.
- Inability to use contact lenses.
- Blurry or fuzzy vision.
How do our doctors diagnose dry eyes?
Sometimes, your eyes may feel dry because of overuse. This happens especially to people who work on the computer a lot. But this condition isn’t dry eyes. In order to diagnose dry eyes, our team at Advanced Vision Care will use a combination of treatments like eye assessment, tear production volume analysis and tear quality analysis. Based on the severity of the condition, you will be prescribed treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
A systematic and multi-disciplinary approach to dry eye is important to ensure a successful outcome. At Advanced Vision Care, we see patients from all over the world with complex dry eye symptoms. It’s important to remember that when “nothing works”, it may be because other therapies haven’t been used optimally. Because of our vast experience treating a large number of patients with dry eyes, we can develop an individualized treatment plan for your eyes.
In our Dry Eye Center, a comprehensive examination and analysis of your tear film and lids will be performed using advanced diagnostics. Next, our cornea-trained dry eye specialist will synthesize the data and discuss treatment options.
Treatments for dry eyes
Now let’s look at each of the above treatments in detail:
IPL Therapy
IPL is a non-invasive therapy that employs a laser to release oils that have clogged the meibomian glands. Dry eye illness is caused by the disruption of the tear film, which results in irritation and discomfort. The device generates light pulses that are absorbed by the meibomian glands during an IPL therapy, resulting in the liquefaction of thicker oil and the release of blockages, which may enhance tear quality and decrease dry eye disease symptoms.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow is a treatment that will remove blockages in the meibomian glands, which are located on the rims of the eyelid. The LipiFlow device is placed on the eyes and gentle heat and pressure are applied on the eyes to remove blockages in the glands.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal Plugs is a procedure that involves placing temporary small plugs, made of dissolving material, in the tear drainage ducts of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is a non-invasive procedure performed in the exam room that is aimed to provide relief for dry eye symptoms, improve tear film retention, and reduce the need for artificial tears and lubricants throughout the day.
Anti-inflammatories
There are a number of anti-inflammatory eyedrops that can increase your own natural tear production. Your doctor will discuss these options with you and choose the appropriate therapy based on a comprehensive analysis.
PROKERA
In the PROKERA treatment, the amniotic membrane from the placenta is used as a temporary lens to heal the eyes. This membrane is donated by volunteering mothers and it is rich in fetal cells. Once placed on the eyes, the cells heal the damaged eyes, reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production.
What can you do at home to
supplement dry eye treatment?
Apart from the above-mentioned treatments, here are some at-home remedies that can ensure that your dry eye treatment provides long-lasting results:
- Eyelid compression using a warm towel.
- Eyelid scrubbing.
- Blinking 15-30 times per minute.
- Using a humidifier in the house to increase air moisture content.
- Avoiding the usage of contacts and using glasses (if lens must be used, using bandage lenses or scleral lenses).
- Applying a few drops of OTC eye drops and artificial tears.
- Not rubbing the eye when it feels itchy or tired.
Contact us today to find out more information on how to treat dry eyes!
