Dry Eye Syndrome
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which there is an insufficient production of tears, leaving the eye without proper moisture and lubrication. This condition affects millions of individuals worldwide and is the most common reason that patients visit their eye doctor.
If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause impaired vision, eye infection, and scarring.
Is treatment available?
Yes! Dry eye syndrome can cause varying degrees of irritation and discomfort but is entirely treatable. When you come in for a consultation at Milauskas, our doctors will assess your eyes for the prevalence of the condition and help outline the treatment plan best-suited to meet your particular need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are a number of factors that can cause dry eye syndrome. These include:
- Age
- Gender
- Certain medication(s)
- Long-term contact use
- Refractive procedures (occasionally)
- Environmental factors
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Eye?
- Stinging and itching
- Excess tearing
- Burning sensation
- Decreased or blurry vision
- Inflammation and redness
- Sandy/gritty feeling
- Sensitivity to light
What Happens If I Don’t Get Treatment?
In addition to the discomfort that dry eye causes, if left untreated, this condition can lead to lasting problems such as infection, scarring, or permanent vision impairment.
What are my options for treating dry eye syndrome?
Artificial Tears
Dry Eye Syndrome is generally not cured (depending on the cause), but it can be managed. The most common treatment for mild dry eye syndrome is using artificial tears to lubricate the cornea. Many over-the-counter solutions and ointments are designed to replenish natural tears.
However, artificial tears only offer temporary symptom relief and do not address the underlying problem, which often is inflammation. Now, an FDA-approved prescription eye drop called Restasis is designed to decrease inflammation, thereby helping to make tears more efficient in lubricating the eye. This not only increases the patient’s comfort but also prevents more serious damage from occurring.
Laser Treatment
Patients who find themselves frustrated with the inadequacy of treatment effects have an additional option that may reduce their dependency on drops and provide relief from many of their symptoms. The Palomar Laser System, which uses natural broad-band light (also known as Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL) is used to unblock tear glands and reduce the influx of inflammatory chemicals around the orbital region. This therapy leads to a more natural tear film that protects and nourishes the eye’s surface, as dry eye symptoms, such as irritation, redness, eye fatigue, and strain, respond quickly to producing a healthy tear film and ocular surface.
The IPL laser has been used extensively to treat conditions affecting the area around the eye, so its long track record of safety has already been established.
Lipiflow
LipiFlow® is a 12-minute in-office treatment designed to remove blockages from the Meibomian glands, allowing them to function correctly and produce the oils that make up the protective lipid layer of the tear film. LipiFlow® activators are single-use sterile devices that safely and comfortably deliver heat to the inner lids and simultaneous therapeutic motion to the outer lids to remove blockages from the Meibomian glands. The Activators are contoured to avoid contact with the cornea, protecting the delicate structures of the eye. Maximum results are usually experienced 6-8 weeks after treatment.
