The eyes are primarily lubricated by tears produced by tear glands located in your upper eyelids. Natural tears make your eyes feel cool, comfortable, refreshed, and help prevent infection of your eye and eyelids.
Health conditions, the environment and the aging process may affect the tear producing glands. As a result, the amount and quality of tears can be altered, creating an unhealthy tear film for the eye surface. Symptoms of dry, red, itchy, burning, watery eyes, and irritation are the most common medical reasons people visit their eye doctor.
Dry eye sufferers can use eye drops based on specific symptom levels and the time of day they need relief. In addition to regular use for dry eye, drops can be used to alleviate dryness related to contact lens wear and dryness following eye surgery. In addition to these artificial tears, prescription eye drops and nutritional supplements are extremely effective in reducing patient symptoms.
Punctal plugs, or tear duct plugs are silicone plugs that can be inserted to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This reduces the flushing away of the tears, allowing them to stay on the eye surface longer. The doctors can insert these plugs in a matter of minutes, during an office visit. After placement, the plugs cannot be seen, won't rub out or scratch your cornea, usually are not felt, and if necessary, are removable by your doctor.
Ask us about which treatments for dry eye will work best for your condition and symptoms.
