Dry Eye Disease Treatment 

Dry Eye Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Dry eye affects millions of people.  It is one of the most common diseases our optometrists see.   Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes produce an insufficient quantity or quality of tears. This results in poor lubrication, which can cause itchy, a sandy gritty feeling, and burning. This can lead to uncomfortable eyes that suffer from redness, irritation, and blurry and fluctuation in vision. Many patients try artificial tears for years without lasting relief.  At our practice we focus on treating the underlying cause of dry eye disease.  

Dry eye occurs when the tear film becomes unstable or poor in quality. Healthy tears contain three layers: (1) Oil layer – prevents evaporation

                                                (2) Water layer – hydrates the eye

                                                (3) Mucus layer – keeps tears evenly distributed

Many patients suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, where the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked or inflamed. When this happens, tears evaporate too quickly and cause irritation 

Dry Eye Disease: Treatments 

Dry eye relief usually requires both professional and home care. At-home care options include using artificial tears and ointments, taking Omega-3 supplements, applying eyelid scrubs, using warm compresses, and taking advantages of devices such as humidifiers. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve the oil layer of the tear film and support healthier eyelids.  They help reduce inflammation and improve tear stability.  We offer Nordic Natural Omega-3 supplements at our office.  

We’re proud to offer the first and only FDA Approved intense pulsed light (IPL) device designed for dry eye treatment:   OptiLight™ by Lumenis®! This IPL device uses targeted light energy pulses to unblock your eyelid’s clogged oil-producing meibomian glands, as well as heal inflammation. The non-invasive treatment uses precise pulses of light applied around the eyelids to help:

• Stabilizes the tear film
• Restore oil-producing meibomian glands for healthier tears
• Remove demodex mites that live on eyelashes and irritate your eyes

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are tired of dealing with irritated, burning eyes, we can help. Schedule a dry eye evaluation to learn about treatment options designed to restore comfort and vision. Call us today at (812) 299-3937 to schedule a dry eye evalution.