Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disorders
Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disorders at Eye 5 Centre: Comprehensive Care for Your Eyes
At Eye 5 Centre, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Dry Eye and other Ocular Surface Disorders to provide relief from discomfort and enhance the quality of life for our patients. Dry eye disease and ocular surface conditions can significantly impact vision, daily activities, and overall eye health. Our team of experienced specialists offers personalized treatment plans using the latest technologies and methods for effective management.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to a lack of lubrication. This can cause discomfort, irritation, burning sensations, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. The condition can be chronic and progressive if left untreated, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Ocular Surface Disorders:
Ocular surface disorders refer to a variety of conditions that affect the surface of the eye, including the cornea and conjunctiva. These disorders can cause symptoms such as dryness, redness, irritation, and discomfort. Conditions like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), conjunctivitis, and allergic eye diseases are common examples.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach:
1. Detailed Evaluation & Diagnosis: Our experts perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose dry eye disease and other ocular surface disorders. This includes:
- Tear film analysis to measure tear production and quality.
- Schirmer test for tear secretion assessment.
- Meibography to assess the health of the Meibomian glands responsible for oil secretion in tears.
- Ocular surface staining to detect damage to the corneal and conjunctival epithelium.
2. Medical Management: We provide tailored treatments to manage the symptoms and causes of dry eye disease, including:
- Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops for immediate relief.
- Prescription medications like cyclosporine A (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra) to reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
- Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage and maintain moisture on the eye surface.
- Topical corticosteroids for short-term inflammation control.
3. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Treatment: MGD is a leading cause of dry eye, where the Meibomian glands do not secrete enough oil to prevent tear evaporation. We offer treatments such as:
- Lipid-based artificial tears to replenish the oil layer in tears.
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene to unclog the glands.
- LipiFlow thermal pulsation treatment, which is an FDA-approved procedure to treat MGD by applying heat and pressure to the eyelids to improve gland function.
4. Advanced Dry Eye Therapies: For chronic or severe cases of dry eye, we provide advanced therapies, including:
- Autologous serum eye drops, which are made from the patient’s own blood to stimulate tear production and repair the ocular surface.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that targets the glands to improve oil secretion and reduce inflammation.
- Scleral lenses for patients with severe dry eyes, providing a protective barrier over the eye’s surface to trap moisture and reduce irritation.
5. Lifestyle & Home Care Recommendations: We provide patients with lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms of dry eye, such as:
- Reducing screen time and using the 20-20-20 rule to rest the eyes.
- Proper hydration and maintaining a humidified environment to reduce dryness.
- Dietary recommendations like omega-3 fatty acids to support tear production.
