Dry Eye

14% of the U.S. population has it.

Dry Eye syndrome is one of the most common vision medical problems we encounter. The high incidence of this disease accounts for a laundry list of symptoms:

  • Burning, stinging and itching
  • Dry sensation in eyes
  • Scratchiness, grittiness, soreness
  • Watery eyes, mucous discharge
  • Tired eyes, light sensitivity
  • Red eyes, lid infections/styes
  • Sensitivity to wind and smoke
  • Contact lens discomfort
  • Eyelids stuck together upon awakening

If you are a person that experiences any of the above eye problems on a consistent basis, you most likely have dry eye syndrome. Most patients are unaware they can have improved vision, whiter eyes and improved eye comfort with current therapies.

Dry Eye Specialty Clinic:

We developed the Dry Eye Specialty Clinic at Dunes Eye Consultants due to the need for a focused, evidence-based clinic experience. Research and technology has provided us many new tools to help fight dry eyes. Some of the specialized testing includes:

  • Tear Osmolarity: A simple in-office lab test to determine tear chemistry stability.
  • Anterior Segment Photography: The ability to document the ocular surface for medical management.
  • Corneal Topography/Abberometry: Surface mapping and vision quality assessment, critical to dry eye treatment.

Common Treatment Options: The Dry Eye Specialty Clinic will tailor a customized program to hep manage your dry eye disease.

  • Artificial Tears/Lubricants
  • Punctum Plugs and Tear Retention
  • Supplements
  • Anti-inflammatory Medications (e.g. Restasis®)

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What are the causes of Dry Eye? The most common risk factors are: age (over 40), gender (female), contact lens use, environment (low humidity, wind, dust, pollution, sun exposure), medications (beta-blockers, anti-histamines, anti-depressant), auto-immune disease (Rhuematoid arthritis, Sjogrens syndrome, throid disease).
  • How can I have dry eye when my eyes are so watery? You produce two types of tears: Constant and Reflex tears. Excessive eye watering happens when your eyes are irritated, injured or when you become emotional. Dry eye causes surface inflammation, aggravating reflex tearing.
  • If I have eye surgery will I get dry eye syndrome? Post-surgical dry eye problems are usually temporary unless you have pre-existing dry eye syndrome.
  • Can I combine Restasis® medication with punctal plug surgery? Yes. Despite labeling on the Restasis® medication suggesting that punctal plugs are not proven to work with Restasis®, we continue to combine these two treatment options in many patients with maximum benefit to their treatment.