DRY EYE CENTER
Say "bye bye" to dry eyes!
Dry eye syndrome, or Ocular Surface Disease, is a disease in which the eye lacks a normal, healthy tear layer. The healthy tear film consists of three components: water, lipid or oil, and mucus. A normal tear film is vital to good vision and seeing clearly. Many factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including increasing age, oral and topical medications, and previous ocular surgery. Our Ocular Surface Disease specialist, Dr. Fugate, is committed to helping patients get relief from their dry eye symptoms.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eyes. Some of the most common include:
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Aging: As you get older, your body naturally produces fewer tears, and the quality of your tears also decline.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, and air conditioning can all contribute to dry eye.
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Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, Sjogren's Syndrome, and thyroid disorders, can contribute to dry eye.
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Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
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Hormonal Changes: Women may experience dry eyes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause due to changes in hormone levels.
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Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses can aggravate dry eyes by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the surface of the eye.
These are only a few of the potential causes of dry eye. Determining the root cause of your symptoms will help your eye doctor create a treatment plan that will likely be more successful.
Dry Eye Symptoms
You’re not alone. 1 in 3 patients suffer from Ocular Surface Disease. However, not all dry eyes are symptomatic!
Common symptoms include:
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Blurry vision.
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Stinging, burning.
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Red eyes.
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Foreign Body Sensation
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Eye Fatigue
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Light sensitivity or heavy eyelids
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Gritty or sandy sensation, scratchiness.
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Mucous or discharge (typically clear).
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Watering or tearing, especially during reading, computer work, or driving.
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Difficulty or discomfort with wearing contact lenses.
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If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, it is very important to visit your eye doctor. In some cases, untreated dry eyes can lead to more serious issues. Chronic dry eye can cause inflammation of the cornea and other structures of the eye, increasing the risk of eye infections and corneal ulcers. In severe cases, untreated dry eye can also lead to scarring of the cornea, which can cause vision problems, and in extreme cases can require corneal transplants. It’s important to seek treatment for dry eyes to prevent these complications and improve your eye health and comfort.
Treatment Options
Although dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, Premier Eye Care Group offers a variety of treatments to alleviate the symptoms. Our eye doctors will work with you to identify the cause of your dry eye and establish the best course of treatment.
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Topical:
-Topical Cyclosporine (Restasis)®, Xiidra®, Miebo®, and Cequa® are drops can be taken twice daily to increase tear production and are effective for many patients.
-Artificial Tear Drops (ex: Optase MGD Advanced & Systane Complete PF)
-Omega-3 Supplements
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At Premier Eye Care Group, we understand the discomfort and irritation that dry eyes can bring. We proudly stock a wide range of top-quality products designed to provide immediate and long-lasting relief for dry eyes. From soothing eye drops to advanced moisture-retaining eyewear, our handpicked selection ensures you'll find the perfect solution to keep your eyes refreshed and comfortable. Check out our online store to see the variety of products we carry in office!
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Procedural:
-Tear Conservation Procedures such as punctal plugs (tiny devices that are placed in the eye's tear ducts) that block the tear drainage opening in the eyelid, or punctal cautery (permanently closing the tear drainage duct)- both of which can be easily performed in the office. This helps the tears you make to stay on the surface. Often, insurance will cover a portion of this in-office procedure.
-Blephex treatments are used to treat a chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria living along the lid and the base of the eyelashes. This is known as Blepharitis. The instrument eliminates the scruff and bacterial debris and biofilm that builds up along the lid margin. You can think of it like getting a professional dental cleaning for your lids. Blephex treatments are $175 per session.
Premier Eye Care Group offers the area's first FDA-approved IPL treatment.
Introducing OptiLIGHT – a bright solution for dry eyes. OptiLIGHT elevates dry eye management with Lumenis’ patented Optimal Pulse Technology and user-centered design. Get the safe, precise, elegant procedure you want and the comfortable, effective therapy you need to manage dry eye disease with OptiLIGHT. Each treatment usually only takes 10-15 minutes and sessions are spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
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IPL treatments can:
✨ Reduce Inflammatory Mediators
✨ Improve Tear Breakup Time
✨ Alleviate Abnormal Blood Vessels
✨ Restore Meibomian Glands
✨ Decrease Demodex
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One Session: $350
Package of 4 Treatments: $1300
For more information, inquire below to get scheduled for your dry eye consultation and to receive more information regarding the OptiLIGHT procedure.