Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease is a chronic, progressive, and destructive condition that can cause significant discomfort.
It is estimated that 38 million people have chronic dry eye disease. There are various types of Dry Eye Disease, and some patients may experience more than one type simultaneously. A common symptom is excessive tearing, which can indicate that the eyes are too dry; the eyes produce more tears to compensate for the dryness. Some other common symptoms of dry eye disease are burning, itching, redness, irritation, blurred vision, gritty, and eye fatigue. Dry Eye Disease can also go under the radar with the patient being asymptomatic, which is due to the cornea becoming desensitized or calloused. Other conditions can mimic dry eye symptoms, so it’s crucial to have your eyes examined by a professional. Our doctors specialize in Dry Eye Disease and are equipped to diagnose and treat your condition effectively.
Types of Dry Eye Disease
There are 4 main types of dry eye disease they are as follows:
Tear insufficiency occurs when your lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears, which can sometimes be associated with autoimmune disorders.
Evaporative Dry Eye Disease happens when your meibomian glands are blocked and fail to produce sufficient oil. This oil is crucial for slowing down the evaporation of tears.
Mucin deficiency arises when the bulbar conjunctiva does not produce enough mucus, which is necessary for tear stability.
Exposure Dry Eye Disease can result from incomplete eyelid closure during sleep or from eyelids that droop away from the face, leading to increased dryness.
Importance of the Tear Film in Dry Eye
The tear film is made up of 3 major components:
Mucin Layer: The innermost layer. This layer is made by the corneal cells, conjunctival cells, and goblet cells in the bulbar conjunctiva. The mucin layer helps with holding onto the tears, as well as protection, smoothness, lubrication, and signaling to other cells.
Aqueous Layer: The middle layer, also known as the tears of the eyes. This layer is made by the lacrimal gland. This layer helps protect, lubricate, and gives nutrients to the eye.
Lipid Layer: The innermost layer, also known as the oil layer. This layer is made by the meibomian glands. This layer helps prevent the evaporation of the tears of the eye.
Treatment
While dry eye disease cannot be cured, effective treatment can control its signs and symptoms, helping to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and your vision stable. Our goal is to restore or maintain a normal tear balance to minimize dryness and discomfort, ensuring overall eye health and preventing vision issues. We tailor every treatment to the patient's needs and symptoms. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments:
Over the Counter: eye drops, ointments, warm eye masks, hypochlorous acid
Omega 3’s: not all Omega 3’s are created equal, ask your doctor about which brand they recommend.
Prescription Dry Eye Disease treatments: eyedrops and nasal spray
In-Office Procedures: Intense Pulse Light (IPL), Low Level Light Therapy (similar to Red Light Therapy), Blephex
Diet: We recommend adhering to a Mediterranean Diet. The gut microbiome is starting to be understood and there are many studies that show a healthy diet helps treat dry eyes.