Dry Eye Therapy | Watertown Eye

Dry Eye Care for All Ages

Dry eye disease is a common condition that can affect anyone, and we want to help protect your eyes from the different symptoms of dry eye, like blurry vision, watery eyes, and general irritation. When you visit us, our team will have you fill out a dry eye questionnaire to see if a dry eye screening with Dr. Koumjian is necessary.

We know dry eye can be challenging to manage, and through treatment methods like OptiLight by Lumenis, meibomian gland expression, and moist heat treatment, we can help.

Our team is experienced in treating dry eye disease and fully equipped with strategies to help you get relief. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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Tear Production & Dry Eye

Dry eye can develop when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or your tears are evaporating too quickly.

Your tear film consists of 3 layers:

The oily outer layer

The watery middle layer

The inner mucus layer

When the glands that produce these elements of your tears are not functioning properly or become inflamed, dry eye can occur. Inflammation can also occur from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition that affects the function of your meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tear film. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, they may not produce enough oil to stop your tears from evaporating too quickly, leading to dry eyes.

Symptoms of MGD can include:

Dryness
A gritty feeling in your eyes
Eye redness
A stinging sensation in your eyes
Tearing

Different Causes of Dry Eye Disease

While tear production issues can cause dry eye, there are other causes of dry eye as well, such as:

Allergies
Blepharitis
Long-term contact lens wear
Certain medications

The causes of dry eye can vary, and that’s why it’s important to visit us at Watertown Eye for consistent, personal eye exams. Our dry eye services are comprehensive, and we can provide treatments based on your unique needs.

Our Dry Eye Diagnostic Testing

The diagnostic stage is an important step in our dry eye treatment process. Through the imaging of your meibomian glands and other diagnostic tests, our team can diagnose dry eye disease and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.

During your dry eye screening, we may implement certain diagnostic tests to help determine what treatment option is right for your situation.

Meibography

Meibography is a noninvasive method for getting detailed images of your meibomian glands. During meibography testing, images of your eyelids are captured using infrared technology, revealing the structure of your meibomian glands and allowing our team to assess their health.

Dyes & Staining

Dyes and staining techniques are commonly used in the assessment of dry eye. Fluorescein and lissamine green dyes are 2 common types used to evaluate the health of your eye surface, including the cornea and conjunctiva.

These dyes are applied to the eyes so any damage or abnormalities can be seen by our team through a slit lamp microscope.

Automated & Subjective TBUT

Tear break-up time (TBUT) testing measures the time it takes for the tear film on the surface of your eyes to break up. This test can be performed subjectively by a clinician or objectively using an automated device.

Our Dry Eye Treatments

Your environment and other risk factors, such as exposure to dry air or wind, long-term contact lens wear, and digital eye strain, can increase your chances of developing dry eye, and we take that all into account when considering your treatment options.

Following a thorough diagnostic process to determine your specific needs, our team can work with you to develop a treatment plan that can address what’s causing your symptoms and help you find relief.

OptiLight By Lumenis

OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.

The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.

OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.

Learn More About OptiLight

Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian gland expression is a noninvasive procedure that involves applying gentle pressure to the meibomian glands. Expressing the oil in your eyelids can help the quality and quantity of your tears improve, reducing dry eye symptoms such as irritation, fatigue, and watery eyes.

Medicated Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops like RESTASIS can be an effective treatment option to relieve your dry eye discomfort. RESTASIS eye drops contain an active ingredient that helps reduce inflammation and increase your eye’s natural ability to produce tears.

Moist Heat Treatment

Moist heat treatment involves wearing a moisturizing heat mask, which can improve circulation and stimulate the flow of natural oils in your tear glands. It’s like giving your eyes a soothing and rejuvenating spa treatment! Not only can moist heat treatment provide immediate relief from dryness and discomfort, but it also promotes long-term eye health.

Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 supplements, including fish oil and flaxseed oil, are another commonly used treatment for dry eye. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation.

We offer PRN De3 Dry Eye Omega-3s at Watertown Eye.

Eye nutrition is an important aspect of dry eye care, and our team considers all options when it comes to your eye health.

Take Our Dry Eye Quiz

Take our dry eye quiz today so our team can get more insight into your symptoms and how we can help.

Dry Eye Relief at Watertown Eye

We know that life can get busy, and we don’t want dry eye to slow you down. Our dry eye treatments, such as OptiLight by Lumenis, can help you find relief. From the dry eye assessment stage to treatment, we have you covered.

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