Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
What Causes Dry Eyes?
It is estimated that 5-15% of the population or 16-49 million Americans have dry eyes. Google trends for topic “Dry Eye Syndrome” have doubled between 2010 and 2020. You are not alone! Many dry eye suffers visit 2-3 eye care providers before their dry eyes are properly diagnosed and treated.
Our center was developed to offer a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment of your dry eye symptoms. In the new era of Dry Eye Disease management, we rely heavily on objective measurements via point-of-care diagnostic testing. These diagnostics include traditional tests like staining the ocular surface with lissamine green and fluorescein, measuring tear breakup time, and occasionally using Schirmer strips to measure tear production. Our newer, more sophisticated tests include Meibomian gland (oil gland) imaging with Lipiview, tear osmolarity test with TearLab, tear film inflammation level testing with InflammaDry. Using our new technology combined with multi-symptom questionnaires enables us to develop a customized approach to treating your dry eyes. Contact one of our 5 convenient locations to schedule an appointment with one of our Dry Eye Specialists today.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye occurs when tears are not able to provide adequate moisture to the surface of the eye. It is a multi-factorial disease characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. This means it can be caused by many factors that reduce or negatively affect the quality of the tears and their ability to wet the eye properly
How to prepare for your exam?
Many patients have tried multiple over the counter drops and remedies. Some have tried prescription drops or other professional therapies. Having a detailed list of your treatment history along with any drops or medications used previously or currently will be very helpful. Please note if you have had any adverse reactions or allergies to medications. A current list of diagnosis and systemic medications is necessary as sometimes these can be contributory to the disease process.
Think about where and when you notice the dry eye symptoms most and note that prior to the examination. Scheduling your consultation is the first step. Your initial exam will include a thorough dry eye history, symptom questionnaires, tear film testing, and our latest technology in tear gland imaging. From there, a tailored treatment plan will be developed and follow up exam scheduled to ensure a positive path forward. Our Dry Eye Specialists are devoted to improving your quality of life and comfort of all our patients
Treatments For Dry Eye Disease
We offer many different treatments for dry eye.
BlephEx™ is an in-office eye treatment that is proven to provide long-lasting relief from blepharitis and dry eye.
Thirty million Americans suffer from Meibomian gland dysfunction, which causes the majority of dry eye cases.
PROKERA® biologic corneal bandage devices are used by our eye doctors to heal and treat ocular conditions.
The TearCare® System is indicated for the application of localized heat when the current medical community recommends the application of a warm compress to the eyelids.
Products and Treatment
Supplemental Care Products
We carry several supplemental eye care products from relief masks, moistures, cleansers, vitamins, oils, and more.
Its main component 4-Terpineol, extracted from tea tree oil, penetrates deep within the skin to cleanse it. A natural cleanser, it wipes away dirt, debris, and residual oils. Scientific studies have shown that T4O is the most important component found in tea tree oil for killing Demodex mites. It helps relieve symptoms of dry eyes, blepharitis, Demodex, and itchy, dry, inflamed eyelid & skin conditions.
a moist-heat compress for mild dry eye. The mask contains Silica beads which naturally attract moisture from the air and release it when microwaved. Heating the mask for 20 seconds will provide soothing moist-heat relief for 5-6 minutes.
a soft and flexible, the unitary design gently rests over the orbital bones, comfortably sheltering dry eyes from drafts, low humidity environments. Hypoallergenic, latex-free and BPA-free. Recommended for nocturnal lagophthalmos, mild to severe dry eye, floppy eye syndrome, recurrent corneal erosions, air travel, and for use as CPAP eye protection (clear).
Deliver relief from dry eye symptoms by supporting the integrity of all layers of the tear film. Its patented polymer blend allows FRESHKOTE® Preservative Free to combat tear evaporation and assist in the complete wetting of the ocular surface.
Gentle, non-toxic and natural antimicrobial formula for use daily on eyelids and lashes. Hypochlorous Acid reduces bacterial load on the eyelids and promotes healthy tear film function.
Specially formulated and clinically proven to rebuild and maximize macular pigment over a lifetime, resulting in enhanced visual performance and aid in the treatment and prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Provides exceptionally high levels of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. It is ideal for people wanting high-intensity, therapeutic support in a smaller serving. Our most popular concentrate.
Lubricate, moisten and relieve delicate eye tissue from irritation and dryness. Oasis TEARS is a true solution that keeps tears on the eye surface to relieve the irritation, gritty, sticky-lid sensation that is commonly experienced with dry eye.
Optase Protect
A unique hypochlorous acid (HOCl) eyelid cleansing spray. The spray cleanses the eyelids and eyelashes, helping to improve the appearance of the eyes and eyelids.
A gentile concentration of Tea Tree Oil and Camomile is soothing for tired dry and sore eyes. OPTASE TTO Should be used as part of your daily dry eye regimen. Keeping the eyelid margin and lashes clean helps keep eyelid debris and excess oils under control. A clean healthy eyelid margin is essential to produce healthy tears and avoid irritation.
Padded with comfortable fabric lined memory foam, tranquileyes® goggles naturally shelter your eyes from drafts, dust, and low humidity environments, all contributors to Dry Eye and related conditions.