Dry Eye syndrome
Dry eye is one of the most frequently seen ailments by eye doctors in Oklahoma. Dry eye occurs when the tear film is insufficiently moisturizing the cornea. This leads to irritation, scratchy sensation, itching, blurred vision, redness, and pain. There are many different causes for dry eye:
- Dry, windy conditions
- Reading or computer work
- Age, especially women over the age of 50
- Medications
- Injury
- Any type of eye surgery
- Ceiling fans
- Contact lens wear
- Tanning
- Inflammation
- Imbalance of the tear film
Discontinuing an activity that promotes dry eye, such as contact lens wear or tanning, may or may not be an option for patients. Adding a humidifier near the bed or desk may be enough to alleviate the dryness. Most patients prefer to use over-the-counter artificial tears first. Often, using these artificial tears two to four times per day on a regular basis can ease the symptoms of dry eye. When artificial tears are not sufficient, temporary or permanent punctal plugs might be inserted into the punctum
to allow the tears to last longer. This may also be done permanently with cauterization of the punctum if necessary. OCUSOFT Thermal 1 Touch is a patented heat treatment administered in our office to help stimulate the production of lipids by the meibomian glands. These moisturizing lipids help stabilize the tear film and may alleviate dry eyes.