Dry Eye
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a common condition where the eye becomes irritated and sore due to a poor relationship between the tear film and the eyelids/Meibomian Glands.
What are the symptoms?
- Irritation
- Blurry Vision—blurriness that you can ‘blink’ away
- Tired, red eyes
- Burning/foreign body sensation
- Watery Eyes—your eyes trying to heal themselves
- Pulling or pressure sensation in or behind the eyes
How do we get dry eyes?
- Aging
- Medical Conditions
- The Environment
- Medications
How are dry eyes diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye exam we perform a screening test called lower lid meibography. The doctors use the results of the meibography and a slit lamp exam to evaluate the condition of your meibomian glands.
What are meibomian glands? What do they do?
Our tear film is made up of 3 layers: a water (aqueous) layer, a mucus (mucin) layer and a lipid/oily (meibum) layer. These components work together to keep the eye moist and comfortable. The meibomian glands produce the lipid layer, which prevents tears from evaporating. Poor lipid production from dysfunctional glands causes our tears to evaporate too quickly, leaving the cornea exposed.
Why do we recommend preservative free products?
Many over the counter eye drops have preservatives to increase sterility and extend shelf life. While these drops can be useful for occasional use, people who have moderate to severe dry eye and use drops multiple times a day, can start to develop allergies and/or irritations to the preservatives used. Preservative free eye drops can be used as many times a day as needed and are the best solution for people with sensitive eyes. Instead of using the common preservatives, these drops have advanced measures in the bottles themselves, ensuring the drops stay sterile. Even with a shorter shelf life, majority of the people are able to utilize the whole bottle before the recommended period. Preservative free drops provide longer lasting relief, keeping the corneal surface clear and moist.
Pharmaceuticals:
- Eyelid {warm compress} Mask
- Omega 3 Vitamins
- Night Time Ointment
- Preservative Free Eye Drops
- Eyelid Cleansing Wipes
What treatments are available?
- Pharmaceuticals
- Scleral Lenses
- Prescription medications
- Punctal Plugs
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Zest Lid Debridement
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