DRY EYE Syndrome
Ocular Surface Disease (often referred to as Dry Eye Syndrome) is a disease process in the body leading to inflammation and in many cases atrophy of the meibomian gland. 75% of people have this condition, and only 60% of those people have symptoms.
What does that mean?
When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye. This keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. An oil gland called the Meibomian gland secretes oil in order to hold the tear film (hydration) in the eye. Your body’s ability to hold moisture on your eyeball can stop working which can make your eyes feel dry and irritated, causing inflammation. Left untreated, this disease can damage the cornea which can lead to vision disturbances.
What are the symptoms?
Dry Eye Syndrome most frequently shows up with:
Irritation
Stinging and Burning
Redness
Scratchiness/ Gritty
Watery eyes
Blurred Vision (ex: when reading)
What are the risk factors?
Many different things contribute to Ocular Surface Disease, the most common are:
Age (the older you get the more at risk you become)
Medications(antidepressants, decongestants, blood pressure medication, hormonal contraceptives, antihistamines and more.)
Gender (more common for women due to hormone level fluctuation through the lifespan)
Medical conditions (Diabetes, Thyroid conditions, Sjogren’s syndrome and Rheumatoid arthritis are some of the contributors)
Long term use of contacts
Environmental conditions (wind, and smoke)
Eye surgeries (such as LASIK)
Prolonged computer use
What are the Treatments?
To best treat your specific circumstance, Dr. Du will conduct a dry eye exam using specific diagnostic measures before recommending treatment. Your Dry Eye treatment plan may include:
Eye Drops
Eye Drop Medications
Lid Margin Hygiene (home treatment plan)
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) - A deep shampoo for the eyes developed by Zocular® to treat dry eye, demodex and blepharitis. Dry eye and blepharitis are often associated with poor hygiene of the eye area. ZEST is an in-office lid cleaning and debridement system using a natural okra-based gel. The procedure is quick and painless, bringing immediate relief to symptoms of irritation and dry eye.
Fore More: CLICK HERE
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatment - a painless procedure that uses pulses of light to target and rejuvenate the Meibomian glands which are responsible for dry eye syndrome. This uses wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and target inflammation below the surface. It reduces redness and decreases vessel inflammation. In addition, it will help improve skin texture and tone by treating and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, Rosacea, age and sun spots, spider veins, hyperpigmentation and Acne.
For More: CLICK HERE
Beneficial supplements
