Dry Eye Syndrome
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which there is an insufficient production of tears, leaving the eye without proper moisture and lubrication.
This condition affects millions of individuals worldwide and is the most common reason that patients visit their eye doctor.
Is treatment available?
Not only does dry eye syndrome cause irritation and discomfort but, if left untreated, it can cause impaired vision, eye infection, and scarring.
This is why we recommend seeing a Delaware Eye Care (DECC) doctor, who will assess your eyes. If treatment is recommended, DECC can treats dry eye in a variety of ways.
Lipiflow Thermal Pulsation – FDA approved treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysunction, one of the leading causes of dry eye.
TearLab Osmolarity System – Advanced diagnostic essential for identifying and treating Dry Eye Disease.
Punctal Plugs – Tiny devices placed in the eyes tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly.
Restasis and Xiidra – prescription eye drops designed to decrease inflammation to help tear production increase and proper lubrication to take place in the eye.
Artificial tears, Warm Compresses, and Overnight Ointments – solutions offering temporary symptom relief.
Is dry eye treatment right for me?
If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be showing early signs of dry eye syndrome.
- Are you experiencing redness?
- Are you experiencing burning or itching in your eyes?
- Are you seeking relief for eye irritation or discomfort?
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry eye syndrome?
There are a number of factors that can cause dry eye syndrome. These include:
- Age
- Gender
- Certain medication(s)
- Long term contact use
- Refractive procedures (occasionally)
- Environmental factors
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- Stinging and itching
- Excess tearing
- Burning sensation
- Decreased or blurry vision
- Inflammation and redness
- Sandy/gritty feeling
- Sensitivity to light
What happens if I don’t get treatment?
In addition to discomfort that dry eye causes, if left untreated, this condition can lead to lasting problems such as infection, scarring, or permanent vision impairment.
How long does the initial consultation take?
We ask patients to allot approximately 90 minutes for general consultations and annual assessments.
