Over-the-counter artificial tears are the mainstay of treatment for dry eye disease. They help soothe the eyes and give temporary relief by replacing your natural tears. Artificial tears can work for several hours and usually must be repeated at frequent intervals.
Other treatments include punctal plugs, which block the tear duct and allow tears to accumulate in the eye, and Restasis®, a prescription medication for dry eye, can help increase your natural ability to produce tears.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a variety of food sources, including cold-water fish and flaxseed oil. Fatty acids are known to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in treating dry eye where various inflammatory molecules are thought to cause worsening of disease.
Supported by significant clinical research and first-hand experience, our doctors recommend certain formulations of omega-3’s and other nutrients to help manage your dry eye. These formulations are specifically designed for eye health and relief of dry eye symptoms.
Lipiflow is a revolutionary therapy for treating the evaporative form of dry eye. This system combines heat and physical massage to directly express the contents of the meibomian glands, thus allowing the oil layer to return the eye surface and create a healthy tear film.
Lipiflow only takes 12 minutes to perform in the office. Some features of the Lipiflow treatment include:
Intense pulsed light (IPL) was originally developed in dermatology to treat acne and rosacea. This technology utilizes powerful bursts of light energy that changes blood vessels and raises skin temperature near the surface of the eyelid. The heat helps soften secretions in the oil glands, which are expressed after the procedure.
IPL offers the potential for long-term control of symptoms in patients with evaporative dry eye. The procedure is relatively comfortable and takes only about 15 minutes to perform in the office. Frequency of treatment can vary depending upon the severity of your dry eye.
Patients with dry eye often have associated blepharitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the eyelids. Untreated blepharitis can worsen the symptoms of dry eye. Blepharitis is traditionally managed with warm compresses and good lid hygiene.
Blephex® is an in-office procedure that treats blepharitis by exfoliating the eyelids, and removing excess scurf and debris.
Blephex® utilizes a high-speed microsponge that is passed along the edge of your eyelids and lashes. This procedure is very similar to how plaque is removed from your teeth during a cleaning at the dentist. Blephex is well tolerated and only takes a few minutes to perform.
Xiidra (Lifitegrast) is a new prescription medication available for treating dry eye. This eye drop helps reduce inflammation on the ocular surface and is taken twice daily. Xiidra can have an effect within a few weeks after starting the medication and is not associated with significant burning or stinging. Xiidra is the only prescription medication available that can alleviate both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
