Dry Eye Treatments
Are red, burning, watery eyes causing frustration in your daily life?
You are not alone - more than 30 million Americans suffer from dry eye.
But just as you are unique, so is your dry eye. There are many different factors that can contribute to the symptoms you feel on a daily basis.
At Ocean Eye Care, we assess your specific case to create a personalized treatment plan so you can find relief.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic and multi-factorial disease. While there is no cure for this condition, we can help determine the underlying causes of your dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan.
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Dry Eye is due to an inability for your tears to lubricate your eyes. The cause of this can be classified into two types:
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Decreased Tear Production (Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye) - inability to produce enough fluid tears
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Increased Tear Evaporation (Evaporative Dry Eye) - inadequate oil production due to clogged oil (meibomian) glands on the eyelid
When you come in for your dry eye evaluation, we will assess:
upper and lower eyelid and eyelashes
cornea/conjunctiva for dry patches or areas of redness
quantity and quality of tear film
amount of secretion from oil glands
other signs of allergy, inflammation
In-Office Treatments
Punctal Plugs
Collagen or silicone plugs can be placed in the tear ducts to block drainage. This works like blocking the drain in a sink and helps to increase the eye's tear film and surface moisture. These devices are about the size of a grain of rice and it is completely painless to insert them.
IPL Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) improves dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation and helping to open up clogged meibomian glands on the eyelid. See more information on IPL here.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Manual expression of the oil glands of the eyelid can help to improve the composition of the tear film. Special tools are used to reopen clogged glands and increasing oil outflow.
ZEST Treatment
Prokera
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is a treatment for dry eye, demodex mites, and blepharitis (debris, bacteria crusting, and inflammation at the eyelash line). This is a quick and painless cleansing treatment which gives immediate results. It is a great option for all dry eye patients, but especially for those with blepharitis in need of a deep clean of their eyelids, similar to a semi-annual dental cleaning. We also recommend this treatment to patients who have a newly formed stye or other infectious or inflammatory conditions.
Prokera is a biological bandage for the cornea. The rejuvenating properties of this tissue help to restore and heal the front surface of the eye. It is a great treatment for dry eye as well as other ocular injuries and diseases due to its anti-scarring and anti-inflammatory properties. The amniotic tissue that is utilized in this treatment undergoes extensive quality control testing and is regulated by the FDA. Our doctors will place the Prokera in your eye and you will wear it for a few days until the treatment is completed and the bandage will then be removed.
At-Home Therapies
Eye Drops
Eye drops help to lubricate the eyes and supplement your natural tear film. They work great for mild dry eye and can be used in conjunction with other treatments for moderate to severe dry eye. There are a wide array of drops with various compositions and viscosities on the market. Talk to your doctor to see which brands and types are best for you!
Warm Compresses
A warm compress is designed to heat up oil in the meibomian glands and facilitate outflow.
Lid Scrubs
The eyelids are prone to developing a build-up of material from dead skin cells, bacteria, and other debris. This causes irritation and inflammation of the eyelids and tear film. Demodex mites are parasites that inhabit the eyelids and contribute to inflammation. Cleansing the eyelids daily with a specific lid scrub wipe or foam cleanser can keep the eyelids clean and inflammation under control.
Prescription Options
Restasis
Xiidra
Cequa
Meibo
Tryvaya
Restasis, Xiidra, and Cequa are perscription eye drops dosed twice a day that reduce inflammation in the tear film and can help improve tear production.
Vital Tears
Tryvaya is a nasal spray that works by increasing tear production by stimulating the trigeminal nerve and the parasympathetic pathway.
Meibo is a new drop that helps to reduce tear evaporation from the eye's surface.
Vital Tears Autologous Serum Eye Drops are specifically derived from the contents of your blood to facilitate cell growth and healing in severe dry eye.
“I have suffered from Dry Eyes for years and always had to carry drops for my eyes. I work on a computer for many hours a day and have to physically walk away from the computer to take a break because my eyes hurt so bad. It is sometimes hard to focus and hard to concentrate when your eyes are irritated.
I went to visit Dr. Hartman for the first time and she was lovely. She suggested we try punctal plugs, a super tiny implant that goes in the inner corner of each eye. I have had them in for about a month and I no longer need any drops. I do not have to take numerous breaks from the computer and life is so much better and clearer. I do not suffer from dry eyes anymore and they are never irritated.
Dr. Hartman was wonderful, and I greatly appreciate what she has done for me. I highly recommend anyone who suffers from dry eye to give it a try.”
- Kyle
I have been to many eye doctors, as I have dry eye and a few other things going on. (I also lived overseas before recently moving here, seeing three doctors there and now three doctors here). Dr. Hartman explained my dry eye condition in a way that I could totally understand and best of all she actively sought solutions. My other doctors had just said use Restasis and drops as needed.
Dr. Hartman explained the tear ducts and the oil producing glands. She taught me about the use of warm compresses and cleaning the eyelids. I came away feeling like I might get this under control for the first time since diagnosis in February 2021. Just go see her, do not hesitate!