Dry eyes, or ocular surface disease, are a widespread condition and can become more severe if left untreated. If you suffer from dry eye, you know the discomfort and how debilitating it can be each day. Eye Care Unlimited is a proud certified Dry Eye Center of Excellence and uses the latest technology for the advanced diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes. For a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause and best treatment options for your dry eyes, call to schedule an appointment.
Dry Eyes Q & A
What causes dry eyes?
A number of conditions can cause dry eyes. The doctors at Eye Care Unlimited can perform dry eye workup to help determine the root cause and optimal treatment of your dry eyes.Conditions that can cause dry eyes include:
Conditions that can cause dry eyes include:
Aging
Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis
Being exposed to wind, smoke or a dry climate
Extended computer use
Certain medicines, including sleeping pills, anxiety medication, beta-blockers, antihistamines, and diuretics.
Eye Surgery
Contact Lens use
Menopause
Oral Contraceptives
How can I prevent dry eyes?
If you are prone to dry eyes, you can do a few things to help reduce the dryness. Some ways to prevent dry eyes include:
Conscious blinking
Using a humidifier at home and work
Artificial tears
Stop smoking
Discontinue the use of allergy and cold medicines
Warm compresses and lid massage
Adding omega-3 fatty acids vitamin supplements
Artificial tears
These are sold without a prescription in pharmacies and can be used as often as needed. The eye care specialists at Eye Care Unlimited can suggest several brands that will be most effective for you. If you use artificial tears frequently each day, you may want to choose a brand that is “preservative-free” so that preservative chemicals do not irritate your eyes.
Lid foams and Lid wipes
Lid scrubs are used in maintaining good eyelid health to treat the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome. Blepharitis and Meibomian gland dysfunction cause chronic inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelids. This results in poor quality tear film that evaporates too quickly due to lack of oil in the tear film. Keeping the eyelids clean and free of debris helps maintain healthy glands.
Prescription Eye Drops
Restasis® and Xiidra® examples of prescription medication that can decrease inflammation and support the natural production of tears as opposed to just adding artificial tears.
If artificial tears do not work for you, closing your tear ducts helps you conserve your tears and reduce dryness. Your optometrist can do this by inserting temporary plugs into your ducts.
Eye Care Unlimited is pleased to offer our patients PROKERA, a new treatment for chronic dry eye that heals the surface of your cornea and returns the eye to a normal, healthy state. PROKERA is a simple procedure that is easily inserted and removed in office. It is similar to a contact lens that is made of amniotic tissue, which is known for its natural therapeutic actions and heals the corneas faster with less pain, scarring, and inflammation. The amniotic membrane is cryopreserved and saved in a tissue bank regulated by the FDA. Clinical studies have shown that PROKERA reduces the sign and symptoms of dry eye, relieving pain, promoting healing, and improving vision.
The PROKERA treatment option may be used in patients with the following conditions:
TrueTear is a drug-free, drop free option to temporarily increase your natural tear production with user-controllable neurostimulation. Well tolerated tiny pulses of energy stimulate the tears with little to no side effects.
