Dry eye symptoms are very common. You may find that your eyes burn and tire after reading for a while, or you feel more comfortable with your eye closed. Sometimes, it feels like there is sand in your eyes
Artificial tears with a low salt content are the first choice. We recommend Refresh Optive and Theratears as they are a hydrator type tear supplement that with provide increase moisture to your cornea . You can use then 4-6 times daily as needed. Hypotears and Genteal tears are also good alternatives.
Artificial tears with a low salt content are the first choice. We recommend Refresh Optive and Theratears as they are a hydrator type tear supplement that with provide increase moisture to your cornea . You can use then 4-6 times daily as needed. Hypotears and Genteal tears are also good alternatives.
Systane Gel drops which last longer are also a good choice if the Resfresh drops do not help.
They can be used in the morning and evening with the less viscous
drops in between, If the regular Systane does not work for you, try Systane Ultra or Systane Gel drops. Refresh Eye drops are also a good choice
SootheXP and Systane Balance will provide better ocular surface stabilization.. You may also benefit from the Toyos IPL treatment if ocular rosacea is contributing to the symptoms.
Moderate to Severe dry eye:
If you have to use drops 4-6 times daily , consider adding Omega -3 supplements as they have been shown to improve tear quality
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Beyond this , you have two main choices. I personally recommend punctal occlusion where we would block OFF the the drains that take AWAY your tears from your eye. This keeps more tears in your eye .
Imagine it to be like blocking the drain in your sink. There are two tear ducts and I block off the upper one. You should not have excessive tearing as the lower tear duct will still drain some tears. If you are still having dry eye symptoms, we can close off the bottom lids .
Punctal occlusion is quite straightforward, done in the clinic and takes about 30 seconds. I recommend punctal occlusion with cautery rather than the plugs and I will block off the upper duct first so that there is less risk of tearing afterwards.
This has the advantage of working for the long term and simply keeping more of your natural tears within your eye.
Alternatively , you can add Restasis which is an anti inflammatory medication used twice daily as a drop along with your regular tear drops. Restasis is used forever.
Please note that I have no financial interest in any of these medications.
If you have severe dry eyes , you may also wish to try these glasses from 7eye.
They have side protection to reduce evaporation and foam around the edge. We have had very good reviews from patients who have tried them.
Several styles are available and they can be ordered from Rick at our office on Walker Road. His direct number is 519-256-1419.
They have side protection to reduce evaporation and foam around the edge. We have had very good reviews from patients who have tried them.
Several styles are available and they can be ordered from Rick at our office on Walker Road. His direct number is 519-256-1419.
Through research, while treating rosacea with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Dr. Toyos’ clinic found they were improving Dry Eye Symptoms. Dr. Toyos then became the recipient of an ASCRS Research Grant for his work with IPL and Dry Eye Syndrome. He has data showing that Intense Pulsed Light works in 93% of patients in clearing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and eliminating the complaints that patients have who suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome. We are offering this treatment for $250 per treatment. The Mayo Clinic prices this at $500 USD. The Machine he developed is specific for ocular problems . You can find out more on the IPL on the website .
