3 Effective Solutions for Dry Eyes
Tears play an essential role in keeping our eyes healthy. They provide lubrication, promote clear vision and help protect our eyes from irritation and infection. A disturbance in the tear film leads to dry eye disease, which is characterized by uncomfortable symptoms such as red, itchy or burning eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light and a foreign body sensation.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, or have been diagnosed with the disorder, Intracoastal Eye is here to help. We have the training and experience needed to provide premium-quality care tailored to your individual circumstances. After identifying the cause of your dry eye problems, we can suggest a suitable solution.
Take a moment to learn more about three solutions for dry eyes that work.
Artificial Tears and Medicated Eyedrops
Usually the first line of defense against mild cases of dry eye disease is the use of artificial tear solutions and/or medicated eyedrops. These products supplement natural tear production and help the eyes remain moist, comfortable and clear.
Plugging or Closing the Tear Ducts
Some cases of dry eye are not caused by inadequate tear production, and using artificial tears or medicated eyedrops won’t make a noticeable difference. The problem may be that the tear ducts are draining the tears too quickly. In that scenario, plugging or closing the tear ducts can help keep the natural tears on the surface of the eyes longer to better lubricate them. Depending on the case, tear ducts can be temporarily blocked with tiny silicone or gel-like punctal plugs, or surgically closed.
LipiFlow
The majority of dry eye cases occur due to a lack of oil production. The oily layer of the tear film, produced by the meibomian glands, helps the tears “stick” to the surface of the eyes. If the glands become blocked by hardened, waxy deposits, the tears will evaporate prematurely and the eyes will dry out quickly.
LipiFlow is an in-office procedure designed to break up waxy deposits and unclog the meibomian glands. A combination of therapeutic heat and gentle massage melts and expresses the waxy deposits, restoring a normal flow of oil into the tear film and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation at Intracoastal Eye
Tired of eyes that itch, burn or are extremely sensitive to light? Help is only a phone call or email away. Contact us today to request an appointment with Dr. Gregory Johnson and Dr. Gail Kelley of Intracoastal Eye.