Dry Eye Treatment
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome (DES), is a condition that affects millions of people. It is often a normal part of the aging process. Other causes include exposure to environmental irritants, injuries to the eye, or certain general health conditions. For example, people with arthritis and diabetes are more prone to having a dry eye. Some other specific causes of dry eye include:
- Sun
- Wind
- Cold
- Dry air
- Indoor heating and air conditioning
- High altitudes
Dry eye syndrome is literally the eye’s inability to lubricate and tear correctly. Oddly enough, some people who have dry eye syndrome actually tear excessively. Unfortunately, the pH or acidity of their tears is altered so that the eye still feel dry and itchy, causing them to tear continuously.
Dry eye syndrome is very common, especially in the older population, particularly women. Women often experience dry eye syndrome during and after menopause due to a decrease in hormone levels. Other hormone-altering events such as pregnancy, menstruation and the use of birth control can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
The use of certain medications can also alter the eye’s ability to remain well lubricated. Some of the most common medications are:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
Certain types of diseases can also cause significant dry eye syndrome, including:
- Thyroid deficiencies
- Sjorgrens syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders (i.e. lupus, HIV)
- Bell’s palsy
- Myasthenia gravis
Dry Eye Symptoms
The severity and symptoms of dry eye vary from person to person. There are three distinct degrees of dryness: mild, moderate, and severe. Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Scratchiness
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Mucus secretion
Dry Eye Treatment
The doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments for dry eye syndrome:
- Artificial teardrops
- Long-lasting lubricating gels
- Ointments placed in the eye
- Temporarily or permanently plugging of the tear ducts, in addition to replacing the tears with drops or ointments
- Hormone replacement, if due to menopause
- LipiFlow® treatment for blocked oil glands
- Change in birth control prescription, if appropriate
- Prescription medication (Restasis) for chronic, moderate to severe dry eye
Doctor’s Advantage Nutritional Supplement
Doctor’s Advantage supplements for Dry Eyes and Macular Degeneration surpass the highest standards of product quality and efficacy. Every Doctor’s Advantage supplement is manufactured using premium ingredients and produced in certified facilities in the US. The supplements are formulated with the highest grade and quality to optimize your health with the guidance of your physician. Visit the Doctor’s Advantage website for more information.
Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress
The Bruder compress is a simple and natural solution that delivers moist heat treatment in just minutes from the microwave. It helps relieve dryness caused by age, eye surgery, extended computer use, contact lens wear, certain medications, allergies, eye disorders, diseases, hormonal imbalance or environmental factors. The moist heat provided by the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress may also be the perfect solution for treating blepharitis (dandruff of the eyelashes with clogged glands and inflammation), and sties (chalazion).
The compress helps stabilize the tear film, improves oil gland function and slows tear evaporation. Properly hydrated and lubricated eyes can expel bacteria and debris more efficiently so your eyes will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Other Names for Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome is known by many names including, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also called keratitis sicca, sicca syndrome, xerophthalmia, dry eye syndrome (DES), or simply dry eye.
Lipiflow Treatment for Dry Eye
Symptoms of Dry Eye include feelings of dryness, grittiness, burning, ocular tiredness and discomfort.
There are over 30 million Dry Eye sufferers in the US. Approximately 86% of which have a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, MGD is a chronic and progressive condition caused by the obstruction of the meibomian glands that diminishes the quality of production of tear layers, which then fails to protect the ocular surface leading to discomfort. Effective removal of obstruction restores gland function through proprietary inner lid heating and vectored thermal pulsation; Lipiflow uniquely removes obstructions in a single dose with clinically proved sustained effects.
Contact us today to see if Lipiflow can help your Dry Eye.
