TREATMENT FOR DRY EYES

    Treatment for Dry Eyes

    Treatment options for chronic dry eye disease are greater today than ever before.   The optometrists at Precision Vision Edmond are not only highly skilled at diagnosing the causes of dry eye disease, they have invested in the latest techniques and technology for dry eye disease treatment. To learn more about many of the treatment options available for dry eye disease, keep reading below or contact Precision Vision Edmond today at 405-341-2062. 

    When You Need More than Eye Drops

    Common treatment of dry eye syndrome includes the use of artificial tears or ointments. However, excessive or prolonged use of artificial tears can disrupt the natural production of tears, leading to further aggravation of the condition instead of providing desired relief.
    While there is no cure, those who suffer from dry eyes can often experience relief from one or more of the following treatment options:
    Environmental modifications
    Lubricating tears and ointments
    Punctal Plugs, temporary or permanent
    Special eyewear while sleeping
    Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid supplements such as EyePromise® or EZ Tears™
    Prescription medication such as Restasis®
    Vectored Thermal Pulsation such as Lipiflow® - used to restore meibomian gland function
    TrueTear by Allergan, a personal, self-controlled neurostimulator designed to help the body produce  its own tears. 

       How may we help?

    Environmental modifications

    For patients with mild dry eye, often some minor modifications to their environment may bring relief.  According to the American Optometric Association here are a few steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes:
    Hydrate - be sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day
    Humidify - increasing the indoor humidity, especially in dry climates can help
    Reduce impact from sun and wind - if you spend time outdoors, using wraparound sunglasses can help protect your eyes 
    Blink - be sure to blink regularly when reading or using technology for long durations
    Supplements - nutritional supplements with essential fatty acids may help for some people. Ask your optometrist if these could help your dry eye problems. 

    Lubricating Tears

    Most people think of these as eye drops that can be purchased over-the-counter.  Many of these can be effective for managing mild cases of dry eye.  Look for artificial tears without preservatives as they have fewer additives which have been know to cause eye irritation.  

    Supplements

    EyePromise® EZ Tears™: In addition to topical treatment of dry eye syndrome, many eye professionals are finding the treatment of dry eye disease from the “inside” is a unique and effective means of treating dry eye syndrome. EyePromise® EZ Tears™ is an all-natural, highly purified Omega-3 developed by nutritional scientists to create a propriety blend of nutrients made from the finest, natural ingredients. 

    What sets EyePromise® EZ Tears™ apart from other dry eye supplements currently on the market? 

    This nutraceutical is made from highly refined and purified fresh, cold-water Alaskan fish PLUS seven (7) other anti-inflammatory ingredients including antioxidant vitamins A, D and E, evening primrose oil, turmeric extract, green tea extract and mixed tocotrienol/tocopherol. By reducing inflammation, EZ Tears™ improves the quality of tears produced and helps your eyes maintain a healthier tear film. It is also enteric-coated-- making is easy to digest and reducing stomach upset, aftertaste and “fish burp” sometimes associated with other Omega-3’s. The convenient daily dosage of only 2 softgels per day compared to three or four softgels of other leading brands also makes it more palatable for patients. With continued use, EyePromise® EZ Tears™ may give you uninterrupted relief from dry eye symptoms, such as irritated or scratchy eyes, redness, foreign body sensation and excessive watering…often times within 2-3 weeks of starting this treatment.

    Prescription Eye Drops

    Restasis®: Often, the root cause of dry eye disease is inflammation of the eyes’ tear-producing gland; this inflammation can be triggered or made worse by allergies, smoking, prolonged computer use, and other factors mentioned above. Unlike artificial tears, which only temporarily relieve dry eyes, Restasis® Ophthalmic Emulsion actually stimulates your eyes to produce more tears, addressing the root cause of discomfort. Restasis® is a prescription eye drop that, when used twice daily, causes a noticeable increase in natural tear production that will continue to improve with time. Restasis® can be used in conjunction with artificial tears, though non-prescription eye drops will become less necessary as healthy tear production is restored. Restasis® has been well tolerated by patients.

    Neurostimulation

    TrueTear by Allergan, introduced in May 2017 is the latest medical breakthrough in treating dry eyes.  TrueTear is a neurostimulator which allows the patient to self apply the stimulation as needed by using a small, portable, rechargeable device.  Instead of using drops or prescription drugs, the neurostimulator signals the body to naturally produce tears.  This is one of the most significant advancements in treating chronic dry eye disease.  

    86% of those diagnosed with dry eye have MGD

    What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

    Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, occurs when there is a compromise to the function and/or structure of the meibomian glands in the eyelids that produce the protective oily layer of the tear film. MGD affects 86% of those with Dry Eye Syndrome, and it’s often treatable.
    Share by: