Dry Eye
Overview
Dry Eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions among patients and can lead to fluctuating or poor vision as well as general eye discomfort. Finding relief for your symptoms could be as easy as scheduling an appointment.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is the result of poor tear quality or production. Your eyes rely on tear glands to produce lubrication and moisture for optimal functionality. However, there are many factors that can lead to dry eyes. From environmental causes, to activities, to aging and more. To truly correct what is causing your dry eye, you should work with a doctor and explain your issues. One of the more common issues that causes dry eye are problems with the lacrimal gland and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—inflammation of the glands at the eyelid margin—both contributing to poor tear quality.
Signs That It’s Time for Dry Eye Treatment
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Eye redness.
- Feeling like something is in your eyes.
- Difficulty wearing contacts
- Difficulty driving at night
- Watery eyes
Dry Eye Treatment
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are generally over-the-counter eye drops, gels, or ointments that are meant to lubricate eyes that are dry. They typically work by either adding moisture to the watery part of your tears or supplementing the fatty acid component for enhanced lubrication.
Artificial tears can be used for:
- Treating dryness by adding moisture
- Reducing friction on the cornea by adding lubrication
- Soothing irritation
- Reducing redness and swelling
Prescribed Dry Eye Medication
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat dry eyes.
These include:
- Medications to reduce eyelid inflammation
- Eye drops to control cornea inflammation
- Eye inserts that work like artificial tears
- Tear-stimulation medications
- A nasal spray to increase tear production
iLux
iLux is a handheld device that uses heat and gentle massaging to melt any blockages you have in your meibomian glands. It also encourages oils to flow more freely to your tear film.
During a session of iLux treatment, your doctor will place your eyelid in between the treatment pads of the iLux device. The device will then apply heat through light for a couple of minutes to help loosen the blockages in your meibomian glands. Depending on your needs, they can apply more heat and pressure, if necessary.
The treatment should only take around 10 minutes and there is no recovery time needed. When your treatment is finished, you can just go about your day.
TearCare
TearCare uses a wearable eyelid technology device that utilizes heat to remove blockages from your meibomian glands and stimulate tear production.
The treatment starts with an applicator being applied to the outer edges of the upper and lower eyelids. Heat will be applied consistently through the applicators, which will, with the aid of your blinking, unclog your glands. Your doctor will then express the meibomian glands to help remove the blockages and stimulate oil production.
Schedule an appointment to discuss these treatments with your doctor and see if they are right for you.
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Eye Exam
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