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DRY EYE THERAPY

At Bell Vision our doctors specialize in dry eye therapy and work with the latest technology in the field to help diagnose and treat. The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWS II) was a comprehensive, international, multidisciplinary effort to define dry eye disease (DED) and to develop a new diagnostic methodology and classification system. The study was conducted over a period of five years and involved over 1,000 participants from 11 countries.

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The DEWS II study found that DED is a common condition that affects an estimated 30% of the adult population worldwide. The most common symptoms of DED are:

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  • Dryness, irritation, and discomfort in the eyes

  • Burning, stinging, or foreign body sensation

  • Blurred vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Redness

  • Gritty feeling in the eyes

  • Excess tearing

  • Sensitivity to wind or dust

  • Floaters or spots in the vision

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The DEWS II study also found that DED can have a significant impact on quality of life. People with DED may experience difficulty driving, reading, using computers, and performing other activities that require good vision. They may also experience fatigue, sleep problems, and anxiety.

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DIAGNOSIS: Bell Vision offers a full dry eye evaluation using the newly acquired OCULUS Keratograph 5M. It's unique features allow our doctors to image the meibomian glands, measure the non-invasive tear break-up time and the tear meniscus and evaluate the lipid layer.

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There are a number of treatments available for DED, including:

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  • Artificial tears: Artificial tears are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They can help to lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms.

  • Heat therapy: Heat therapy can help to improve the function of the meibomian glands. This can be done with a warm compress. 

  • TearCare: The TearCare System is a medical device that uses heat therapy to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye disease. It is cleared by the FDA for the application of localized heat therapy in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands.

  • Punctal Plugs: A punctal plug is a small, round device that is placed in the opening of the lacrimal punctum, which is a small hole in the eyelid that allows tears to drain from the eye. Punctal plugs are used to treat dry eye by blocking the drainage of tears, which helps to keep the eyes moist.

  • Medications: There are a number of medications that can help to treat DED. These medications may include:

    • Eye drops that contain steroids

    • Eye drops that contain cyclosporine

    • Eye drops that contain antihistamines

    • Oral medications that contain omega-3 fatty acids

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Lifestyle changes

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There are also a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage DED. These include:

  • Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes from the sun.

  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

  • Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.

  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

  • Get regular exercise.

  • Eat a healthy diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Get enough sleep.

  • Manage stress.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, it is important to see an eye doctor. They can diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment for you. Schedule an appointment with us today. 

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