DRY EYE TREATMENT
IN NAPLES, BONITA SPRINGS, & FORT MYERS, FL
Tears play an important role in eye health and strong vision as they keep the eyes lubricated, nourished and clean of debris and bacteria. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in which the body is not able to produce a sufficient amount of tears. A common condition, dry eye syndrome can cause several symptoms including irritation, red eye and blurred vision. It is important to note that excessive hearing may be a sign of dry eye syndrome.
Dr. Nassif specializes in the diagnosis and management of dry eye syndrome.
The board-certified ophthalmologists at All Saints Eye Center understand that although a benign condition, dry eye syndrome can make everyday life uncomfortable. Our team has helped hundreds of Naples patients who suffer from chronic dry eye find relief using the most up-to-date and advanced treatment options available today.
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
Dry eye can be caused by any of the following:
- Certain medications
- Age (tear production decreases the older you get)
- Hormonal changes (such as during menopause)
- Autoimmune disorders
- LASIK surgery
- Cosmetic eye surgery
- Sun overexposure
- Computer eye syndrome (prolonged usage of digital devices can limit blinking and lead to dry eye)
Environmental factors such as wind, air conditioning and humidity can worsen (or even cause) dry eye. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking have also been linked to dry eye.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC DRY EYE
- Burning
- Itchiness
- Irritation
- Excessive tearing
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
- Foreign body sensation
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Red eyes
- Dry sensation
- Eye fatigue
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DRY EYE
Treatment for chronic dry eye will varies depending on the cause, symptoms and severity of the condition. After conducting a comprehensive eye exam, our team at All Saints Eye Center can devise a treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs.
Mild and/or temporary cases of dry eye (such as those caused by computer use or reading) may be treatable with artificial tears to increase tear production and reduce symptoms.
Making certain changes in your everyday life, such as taking more frequent breaks from your computer, taking omega-3 supplements or using an air humidifier can also improve symptoms.
More severe cases of dry eye can be treated with one of the following:
Over-the-counter eye drops
Prescription eye drops (Restasis): This prescription medication lubricates the surface of the eye and reduces inflammation associated with dry eye. This in turn helps the body produce more tears to keep the eyes lubricated and nourished.
Punctal closure: Dr. Nassif performs a safe, intra-office procedure using sound waves to close your tears drainage port allowing your nature tears to stay in place longer. This procedure is usually covered by your medical insurance.
Punctal plugs: These small, sterile devices are inserted into the small openings of the tear drainage ducts located in the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids in order to stop tear drainage. This allows the tear film to stay longer on the surface of the eye, improving dry eye symptoms.
FIND DRY EYE RELIEF WITH ALL SAINTS EYE CARE CENTER
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from dry eye, All Saints Eye Center can help. During a personal consultation, a member of our expert team can evaluate your eye health and symptoms to determine which treatment plan is best for you. To schedule an appointment, please contact one of our five South Florida locations at (239)-592-5511 or complete an online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch!
