Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye Disease is perhaps the most common eye disease that most eye care practitioners encounter.

 

Dry eye disease results from several physiological and environmental factors.

 

The tears our eyes produce do not consist of water alone. They are actually a complex mixture of
water, mucus, oil, nutrients, and immune system components. Dry eye disease can result from a deficiency in one or more of these components. Furthermore, environmental factors like low humidity or strong air currents (like those produced by ceiling fans) can make dryness symptoms worse.

 

When managing dry eye disease, it is important to take a targeted approach and address the underlying causes specific to each patient.

 

Treatment usually begins with a thorough dry eye evaluation. Listed below are just some of the treatments utilized in dry eye management.

​

OTC Artificial Tears

Artificial tears provide temporary relief of dry eye symptoms by lubricating the ocular surface. These may provide adequate relief for minor dry eye cases but most moderate to severe cases will require more aggressive treatment.

Prescription Eye Drops
Anti-inflammatory eye drops such as Restasis, Cequa, and Xiidra are designed to target a source of inflammation that can cause dryness. Reducing this inflammation may in turn increase tear production. Steroid eye drops are another type of anti-inflammatory drug that in many cases are beneficial in the treatment of dry eyes.

Punctal Plugs/Punctal Occlusion
Punctal occlusion refers to a painless procedure in which tiny implants (punctal plugs) are inserted into the tear drains allowing the patient's natural tears to stay on the eye longer. These implants can be temporary which dissolve slowly in the tear drain or permanent which can be removed if needed.

​

Call our office at 770 558 1850 or click here to make an appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam.

​

​