Dry Eye Management

Are Your Eyes Dry, Irritated, Red, or Burning?

If so, you’re not alone. An estimated 30–40 million Americans experience symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, making it one of the most common eye conditions affecting adults today.

Dry eye is a condition that affects your tear film – the three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. You need a smooth and stable tear film to help you see clearly and comfortably. Disruptions to your tear film can cause uncomfortable symptoms, like redness, burning, itching, watering or blurred vision.

There are a few types of dry eye disease:

  • Aqueous deficient: This is when the eye’s lacrimal glands don’t produce enough aqueous tears. These tears make up the middle, watery layer of your tear film.

  • Evaporative: This is when your tears evaporate too quickly, most commonly because of meibomian gland dysfunction. The oily outer layer of your tear film is unstable.

  • Mixed: Some people have both aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability.

Left untreated, dry eye can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, using digital devices, driving, and enjoying time outdoors.

How Can We Address Your Dry Eye Disease?

  • Eye Medications – prescription and over-the-counter eye drops, gels, ointments and even nasal spray for dry eye

  • Optilight by Lumenis – quick in-office procedure that is the first FDA-approved light therapy for dry eyes

  • Zest by Zocular – in-office eyelid treatment that removes bacteria, debris, oils, and biofilm that can contribute to dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation

  • Punctal Plugs – painless in-office procedure to place tiny devices in the eye’s tear ducts to block tears from draining from the eye

  • Amniotic Membrane Contact Lens (AMCL) – a type of lens that reduces inflammation and promotes healing to aid in the recovery of the ocular surface, particularly for patients with dry eyes or other conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments