Dry Eyes Specialist

What is dry eyes?

Dry eyes, aka dry eye syndrome, means you have inadequate eye moisture and lubrication. This occurs when your eyes don't make enough natural tears, or when your tear film — the thin tear layer that moisturizes and protects your eyes at all times — is of poor quality. 

Dry eyes can cause chronic discomfort, and can potentially have serious effects like cornea damage and eye infections. 

There are many possible reasons for dry eyes, including hormone fluctuations, meibomian (eyelid) gland dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and allergies. 

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

The symptoms of dry eyes usually include:

• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Scratchy-feeling eyes
• Stringy mucus discharge from eyes
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Stinging eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurry close-up vision

Dry eyes can also cause eye flooding. But that rush of tears is only water, so it lacks the oils and mucus components of normal, healthy tears. 

In the most severe cases of dry eyes, the constant dryness can lead to problems like corneal abrasions or ulcers. Dry eyes can also increase your risk of serious eye infections.

How is dry eyes treated?

Bainbridge Eye Care offers the most modern and up-to-date diagnostics, management, and treatment for dry eyes. Dry eyes treatment depends on the diagnosis and the cause of your dry eyes. 

To diagnose dry eyes and find its cause, you need a comprehensive eye exam and specialized testing to measure how quickly you make tears. Other tests assess tear quality and thickness.

After diagnosis, your treatment may include:

Medication

Prescription eye drops such as Restasis®, Xiidra®, and Cequa™ can effectively relieve dry eye symptoms with consistent daily use. 

Punctal plugs

Punctal plugs are very small plugs that go inside your tear ducts to prevent moisture loss. There are a few options in punctal plugs, including dissolvable collagen plugs and semipermanent ones made of acrylic or silicone. 

Prokera

Prokera® is a type of temporary corneal bandage made from amniotic membrane, which is rich in healing and regenerative properties. If you have corneal damage due to dry eyes, Prokera can minimize inflammation and restore your cornea to a healthy state. 

Sometimes, you can also make lifestyle changes that help with dry eyes. For example, reducing screen time and taking omega-3 fatty acids may help in conjunction with your medical treatment at Bainbridge Eye Care. 

If dry eyes are causing continual problems in your life, Bainbridge Eye Care can improve your comfort right away. Call the office or use online booking now.