Depending on the severity of the condition as well as its cause, dry eyes can be treated through either surgical or non-surgical means. Non-surgical treatment options include the application of topical treatments such as artificial tears or prescription eye drops. Dietary supplements may also be prescribed to improve the eyes' natural tear production.
When it is found that the reason for dry eyes is the increased evaporation of the tear film, punctal occlusion may be administered. This non-surgical treatment method involves the insertion of small collagen or silicone plugs on the patients' tear duct areas to prevent the draining of tears.
Patients may also have to pay close attention to eyelid hygiene. Special "lid scrubs" can be use to clean the lid margins and keep them free of bacteria and debris such as dust.
Surgical treatment options for dry eyes include light therapy, oil gland therapy and tear duct therapy. More known for being used as a method for hair removal, a light therapy known as Intense Pulsed Light or IPL can also be used to unplug the oil glands that line the upper and lower lid margins. It liquefies any secretions that may be blocking the Meibomian glands or oil-secreting glands of the eye. Oil Gland Therapy also restores the oily layer of the tear film through gentle stimulation of the upper and lower lid margins.
In Tear Duct Therapy, the eye canals are sealed with cautery. It is considered the most ideal method to prevent tears from draining.
Resource Box:
NVISION Laser Eye Centers, formerly known as TLC Laser Eye Centers, offers expert consultations concerning various eye conditions throughout Southern California. NVISION currently has eight medical offices, with its main eye center located in Newport Beach. Renowned LASIK surgeon, Dr. Thomas Tooma, is the Medical Director of the laser eye surgery centers. For more information about NVISION, log on to NVisionCenters.com or call 1-877-91-NVISION.
When it is found that the reason for dry eyes is the increased evaporation of the tear film, punctal occlusion may be administered. This non-surgical treatment method involves the insertion of small collagen or silicone plugs on the patients' tear duct areas to prevent the draining of tears.
Patients may also have to pay close attention to eyelid hygiene. Special "lid scrubs" can be use to clean the lid margins and keep them free of bacteria and debris such as dust.
Surgical treatment options for dry eyes include light therapy, oil gland therapy and tear duct therapy. More known for being used as a method for hair removal, a light therapy known as Intense Pulsed Light or IPL can also be used to unplug the oil glands that line the upper and lower lid margins. It liquefies any secretions that may be blocking the Meibomian glands or oil-secreting glands of the eye. Oil Gland Therapy also restores the oily layer of the tear film through gentle stimulation of the upper and lower lid margins.
In Tear Duct Therapy, the eye canals are sealed with cautery. It is considered the most ideal method to prevent tears from draining.
Resource Box:
NVISION Laser Eye Centers, formerly known as TLC Laser Eye Centers, offers expert consultations concerning various eye conditions throughout Southern California. NVISION currently has eight medical offices, with its main eye center located in Newport Beach. Renowned LASIK surgeon, Dr. Thomas Tooma, is the Medical Director of the laser eye surgery centers. For more information about NVISION, log on to NVisionCenters.com or call 1-877-91-NVISION.
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