Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor tear quality. At Eyedeal Vision, Dr. Badaracco and the team provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating dry eye, ensuring lasting relief for patients suffering from this condition.
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What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease, also known as ocular surface disease, is a chronic condition that results from an imbalance in tear production or quality. There are two primary types of dry eye:

• Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE): Caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) become blocked or dysfunctional, leading to rapid tear evaporation.

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE): Occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tears to keep the eyes adequately lubricated.

Many patients experience mixed dry eye, where both evaporative and aqueous deficient dry eye contribute to symptoms.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye disease, including:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The most common cause of evaporative dry eye, MGD occurs when the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, leading to poor-quality tears.

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, making older individuals more prone to dry eye.

• Environmental Factors: Air conditioning, heating, wind, smoke, and prolonged screen time can all contribute to tear evaporation.

• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can reduce tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Long-term contact lens wear can disrupt the natural tear film and lead to dry eye symptoms.

• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eye by reducing tear production.

• Hormonal Changes: Women are more likely to develop dry eye due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control.
  
  

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, impacting daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Redness and irritation

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Blurred vision, especially after prolonged screen use

• Excessive tearing

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue

If left untreated, dry eye can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the cornea, increasing the risk of infections and vision problems.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

At Eyedeal Vision, Dr. Badaracco utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to assess the severity and underlying causes of dry eye disease, ensuring a precise and effective treatment approach. A thorough evaluation may include Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) to measure how quickly tears evaporate, Schirmer’s Test to assess tear production levels, and osmolarity testing to determine salt concentration in tears, which indicates tear film instability. Additionally, testing for inflammatory markers helps identify underlying inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms. By understanding the root cause, Dr. Badaracco can create a personalized treatment plan designed to provide long-term relief and improved eye comfort.

Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Options

Since dry eye disease varies from patient to patient, treatment must be customized to address individual needs. At Eyedeal Vision, patients receive personalized dry eye care based on the underlying cause of their condition.

For patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, maintaining proper lid hygiene with warm compresses and lid scrubs can help unclog oil glands and improve tear stability. Oral supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can support meibomian gland function and overall eye health.

Prescription eye drops can also help reduce inflammation and stimulate natural tear production. In cases where tear retention is an issue, punctal plugs can be inserted to help keep tears on the eye’s surface longer, improving moisture and comfort.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with Dr. Badaracco at Eyedeal Vision to receive expert care and a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs