Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.

Symptoms Include:

• Dryness
• Discomfort and irritation
• Grittiness or feeling of a foreign body in the eye
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Tearing
• Redness
• Discharge
• Tiredness
• Itching
• Vision disturbance
• Sensitivity to light

Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye’s clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and other compounds. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation.

Tears are formed in several glands around the eye. The water layer is produced in the lacrimal gland, located under the upper eyelid. Several smaller glands in the lids make the oil and mucus layers. With each blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. Excess tears flow into two tiny drainage ducts in the corner of the eye by the nose. These ducts lead to tiny canals that connect to the nasal passage. The connection between the tear ducts and the nasal passage is the reason that crying causes a runny nose.

In addition to lubricating the eye, tears are also produced as a reflex response to outside stimuli such as an injury or emotion. However, reflex tears do little to soothe a dry eye, which is why someone with watery eyes may still complain of irritation.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil – 60% less at age 65 than at age 18. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. Oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.

Many other factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning, and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes. Many people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Stopping periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable.

Contact lens wearers may also suffer from dryness because the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s can also cause dryness. Women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause because of hormonal changes.

Dry Eye Treatments

PRN

• The Right Form and Serving. 4 soft gels per day of our patent-pending Dry Eye Omega Benefits® provides 2-3 grams of Omega-3s in the re-esterified triglyceride form (rTG).*
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Punctal plugs

Punctal plugs usually are considered when non-prescription or prescription eye drops fail to relieve your dry eye condition. They prevent the immediate escape of tears through the tear ducts, which in turn assists moisture to remain on the surface of the cornea for a longer period of time.

Two general types of tear duct plugs are:

• Semi-permanent, typically made of long-lasting materials such as silicone.
• Dissolvable, made of materials such as collagen that the body eventually absorbs.

Temporary or dissolvable punctal plugs usually last from a few days to as long as several months. These types of plugs would be used in circumstances such as preventing dry eyes after LASIK if you choose to have refractive surgery.

Dissolvable, temporary punctal plugs sometimes are used to determine if the treatment works for your dry eye condition. If so, then semi-permanent punctal plugs might be considered.

LipiFlow Treatment for Dry Eye

Bucci Laser Vision brought this technology ( LipiView/LipiFlow) to NEPA in March 2013 - LipiFlow is being featured on " The Doctors". The first and only actual treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome.

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We are committed to a healthy vision. And as Dry Eye experts, we offer specialized attention through our Dry Eye Clinic. We understand your frustration with the limitations of traditional therapies and are committed to bringing you the best technology available to treat this uncomfortable disease - so that you can enjoy the greatest possible relief. It's time for a revolutionary approach to Dry Eye treatment.

If you've been suffering from this painful condition - or think you may have it - we can determine the cause of your symptoms and apply therapy appropriate to your specific needs that may make your daily discomfort a thing of the past. We also offer the new LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment in our office. With just one treatment, you may experience sustained relief.

Bucci Laser Vision is proud to serve the NEPA and Poconos regions with offices in Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Scranton, Old Forge, Hazleton, Stroudsburg, Brodheadsville and Mt. Pocono. Free consultations are available to any patient seeking spectacle independence through refractive surgery. Call 1-877-DR-BUCCI for more information.