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Dry Eye Disease

Dry Eye Disease, also known as ocular surface disease, is a complex condition that is chronic and will progress over time.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Syndrome can range from a mild irritation to a chronic problem.

Symptoms may include:

  • Dry, irritated, or red eyes
  • Excessive tearing/watery eyes
  • Inflammation
  • Sore or sensitive eyes
  • Itchiness
  • Burning
  • A gritty or pasty feeling in the eyelids
  • Crusty or gunky eyes
  • Blurriness
Causes of Dry Eye

  • Lifestyle & Work
  • Poor tear quality
  • Environmental factors
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Contact lens wear
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications
  • Eye surgeries
Dry Eye Information

In its early stages, more than half of those with dry eye do not report any symptoms at all. Those who do have symptoms often disregard them as related to allergies, environment, or think there is no relief available. We at EyeXcel offer many treatment options to our patients.

East Tennesseans are particularly at severe risk for dry eye syndrome!

Air pollution, sudden seasonal changes, and sedentary air in the valley can increase eye irritation.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Over 80% of chronic dry eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Meibomian glands in your eyelid produce the oily protective layer of your tears to prevent your tears from evaporating. In MGD, these glands become inflamed and their oily secretions become thick like butter.

Unfortunately, in many patients, these glands can die over time, and we only have a limited number of these glands!

We take your eye health and comfort seriously! If you are diagnosed with dry eyes, we have a variety of treatment options:

Artificial Tears – We have a variety of eye drops available including Oasis Tears as well as gels and ointments to use at night

Omega-3s – Help maintain the lipid (oil) layer of your tear film. Our doctors can recommend the exact amount necessary for your condition

Warm Compresses – Heat liquifies the oil in your tear glands in order to improve tear flow.  It’s like a “spa” treatment at home! We have Oasis Rest & Relief Masks available.

Lid Hygiene – Special cleansers can help keep meibomian glands clear such as Oasis Lid & Lash.

Punctal Occlusion – This painless, in-office procedure helps increase the volume of tears on your eyes

Prescription Medication Relief – Certain prescription medications can provide both short and long term relief of symptoms

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

iLux

 iLux® – A painless in-office treatment using LED lights to restore function of the meibomian glands. We are proud to be one of the first offices in Tennessee to offer iLux® which is shown to offer equal improvement to Lipiflow at a significantly lower cost.

Learn more about iLux® with this PDF.

If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, make an appointment now with one of our optometric physicians. Relief from dry eye can make a world of difference in your day-to-day quality of life!

iLux