Dry Eye Evaluation and Management

Dry Eye Evaluation and Management

There are different types of dry eyes and each are treated differently.

Your eyes are moistened by two different types of tears: lubricating tears and reflex tears. Lubricating tears are produced continuously to moisturize your eyes and contain natural infection fighting agents. Reflex tears are produced in response to sudden irritation (smoke, onions, and foreign particles), injury or emotion. Although irritation from dry eye can trigger reflex tears which flood the eye, reflex tears do not have the proper lubricating composition. Dry eye syndrome results when there is a decrease in the production of tears that moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes. This eye problem often results as people age and environmental factors such as extended computer use and lack of certain nutrition. Dry eye syndrome can also be triggered by hormonal changes and the use of birth control pills and many medications.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands most often associated with inflammation of the eyelids, lashes, rosacea and more. Meibomian glands are oil producing glands in the eyelid margins of both your upper and lower eyelids. These glands produce the oil which comprises the outermost layer of your tears. This oily layer protects your tears from evaporating. When these oils are reduced, the evaporation of your tears from the surface of your eyes is increased and your eyes become drier much more quickly, especially when you are reading a computer screen, cell phone, tablet, document, watching T.V., driving, etc.

We offer diagnosis and effective treatment of chronic dry eyes other than just eye drops! Did you know there are much more advanced forms of treating dry eyes such as thermal heated treatments? We have them at our office. Contact us for more information.