Happy Summer from South Waterfront Eyecare!
July is national Dry Eye Awareness month, but at South Waterfront Eyecare we strive to spread dry eye awareness year-round. As of 2018, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports approximately 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye disease, and the number has likely risen dramatically over the last 7 years. With symptoms ranging from gritty, sandy sensations to blurred vision, we know how debilitating dry eye disease can be.
Dry Eye Vs. Allergies
Symptoms of dry eye disease and allergies tend to be very similar, with both frequently causing general eye irritation, burning, tearing, and redness. Due to the similar nature of signs and symptoms, dry eye disease is frequently misdiagnosed as allergic conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, the antihistamines prescribed to treat allergies actually worsen dry eye symptoms. At South Waterfront Eyecare, we take it upon ourselves to determine the cause of your symptoms. Our in-clinic allergy tests can identify specific allergens which cause you distress. Our specialists are trained to identify the cause of your dry eye disease and differentiate dry eyes from allergies. With a multitude of treatment options, we will work with you to find a regimen that relieves your symptoms.
Different types of Dry Eye Disease
There are two major causes of dry eye disease: a lack of production of the water component of our tears- aqueous deficient dry eye disease, and an ineffective lipid layer of the tear film, leading to the evaporative loss of tears- evaporative dry eye disease. Mixed dry eye disease is a combination of both aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye disease. It is crucial to understand the cause of your dry eye symptoms before a proper treatment plan can be implemented.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): A Major Culprit
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the glands which secrete the oil layer of our tear film (meibomian glands) are either structurally or functionally damaged. This oil layer is what keeps our tears from evaporating when our eyes are opened. With every blink, oil is squeezed out of these glands, providing the eye with a smooth, protective layer. When these glands are clogged or destroyed, there is not enough oil to maintain the aqueous (watery) layer of our tears, and evaporation causes the eyes to become dry. If MGD is observed, it is important to treat the glands in order to prevent further destruction and improve function back to sufficient levels.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
Each individual must receive a dry eye regimen tailored to their needs. Fortunately, there are a vast number of treatments options available, including but not limited to:
- Lid hygiene
- Nutraceuticals (Omega 3 fish oil)
- Artificial tears
- Ointment
- Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL)
- Lipiflow pulsating thermal treatment
- Bruder eye mask heat treatment
- Manual expression of meibomian glands
- Radiofrequency (RF)
- Punctal occlusion (punctal plugs or Lacrifill)
- Prescription eye drops (Cequa, Restasis, Xiidra, steroids, among others)
- Oral medications
- Nasal medications (Tyrvaya)
- Diet modification
It is best to treat dry eye disease in the early stages, before symptoms even begin. This is why we examine the tear film and meibomian glands during every comprehensive exam. There is nothing that brings us more fulfillment than to hear our patients express their relief from symptoms and seeing improvement on the ocular surface.