Dry Eye

Dry eye can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance.

Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Non-surgical treatments include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctal plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed.     

The puncta are small holes located on each eyelid by the nose (the yellow arrows show the position of the puncta).  Tears drain off the eye through the puncta. An enlarged view of a silicone punctal plug is shown to the right below.  By blocking the drain with a punctal plug, tears stay on the eye longer combating dryness.

A new medication, Restasis, can be used in some patients to increase their natural tear production.  Talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for this treatment.

For more information or to make an appointment, call us today at (763) 421-7420