Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye syndrome is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of individuals. At Seabert Eye Care, Dr. Seabert specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye using state-of-the-art technology and personalized care.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and discomfort, making it difficult for your eyes to stay hydrated and protected. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye’s surface and providing clear vision, and any disruption in tear production can significantly impact your quality of life.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Age: Tear production naturally declines as we age, making dry eye more common in older adults.

• Hormonal Changes: Particularly in women, hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, or while using contraceptives can impact tear production.

• Environmental Conditions: Wind, dry climates, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time can accelerate tear evaporation.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production as a side effect.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or conditions like blepharitis, can lead to chronic dry eye.

• Contact Lens Wear: Extended or improper use of contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to dryness.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): MGD occurs when the meibomian glands in the eyelids become blocked or do not secrete enough oil. This prevents the tear film from retaining moisture, exacerbating dryness and irritation.

Understanding the root cause is essential for effective dry eye treatment, as it allows for targeted therapies to address the underlying issue.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Common signs include:

• A gritty or sandy sensation

• Redness and irritation

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light

• A burning or stinging sensation

• Watery eyes

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Dr. Seabert employs advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the cause and severity of your dry eye. Some of the technologies and tests used include:

• Tear Osmolarity Test: Measures the salt concentration in your tears.

• Meibography: Analyzes the health of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of tears.

• Fluorescein Staining: Detects damage to the surface of your eye caused by dryness.

• Schirmer’s Test: Evaluates tear production levels.

These methods ensure a detailed understanding of your condition, enabling us to create a tailored treatment plan.

Personalized Treatment Options for Dry Eye

We focus on addressing the root causes of dry eye to provide lasting relief rather than just managing symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Lid Hygiene: Conditions like blepharitis can block the meibomian glands and exacerbate dry eye. Regular lid scrubs, medicated cleansers, and warm compresses help maintain clean and healthy eyelids, improving tear quality and reducing inflammation.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief by hydrating the eyes and supplementing the natural tear film. Dr. Seabert can recommend specific artificial tears suited to your unique needs, such as preservative-free options for sensitive eyes.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis®), lifitegrast (Xiidra®), or corticosteroid drops can reduce inflammation, increase tear production, and address chronic dry eye conditions over time.

• Oral Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutritional supplements support the production of high-quality tears by reducing inflammation in the tear glands and improving overall ocular surface health.

• Scleral Lenses: These advanced, custom-fit lenses create a moisture-filled reservoir over the eye, protecting the cornea and providing long-term relief for severe or refractory dry eye cases. They are particularly beneficial for patients with severe ocular surface disease.

• Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: RF therapy applies controlled heat to the meibomian glands, encouraging better oil production and improving tear stability. This treatment also helps reduce inflammation and restore gland function for long-term relief.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses gentle pulses of light to target inflammation and open clogged meibomian glands. This treatment is particularly effective for managing MGD and evaporative dry eye, as it restores the tear film’s protective lipid layer.

Comprehensive Dry Eye Care at Seabert Eye Care

Dr. Seabert and our dedicated team are committed to identifying the root causes of your dry eye and providing personalized, effective treatments tailored to your needs. With advanced diagnostic tools and a wide range of innovative therapies, we aim to restore your comfort, protect your vision, and improve your quality of life.

If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, contact Seabert Eye Care today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward achieving lasting relief.