Dry Eye | Midwest Eye Consultants

Millions of Americans suffer from dry eye, which is the inability to produce enough tears. Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable.

You may also suffer when your eyes do not produce the right type of tears. People tend to make fewer tears as they age. Both men and women can get dry eye, however, it is more common in women, especially those who have gone through menopause. Factors that may contribute to dry eye include:

• Poor tear quality

• Wind, smoke and dry weather

• Allergies

• Certain medications

• Eyelid problems or injuries to eyes

• Prolonged computer use, which can cause reduced blinking

Long time contact lens wearers may also suffer from dry eye. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, lupus and Sjogren syndrome can cause dry eye symptoms.

The Most Advanced Treatment for Dry Eye
Relief is Here!

Intense Regulated Pulsed Light Therapy (IRPL) is offered by your doctors at Midwest Eye
Consultants. Learn about the IRPL and how it can relieve your suffering from Dry Eyes. Feel long-lasting relief fast!

Learn MORE about IRPL Treatment

Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Stinging or burning
• Gritty or scratching sensation
• Mucus in or around the eyes
• Redness or irritation
• Tired eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision

Your eyes produce more tears in response to the irritation of dry eye, so having a lot of tears does not mean you do not have this condition.

Meibomian Eye Disease

During the dry eye exam, your doctor will be testing to see whether you are producing enough tears, or if your dry eye is caused by MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). 86% of all Dry Eye Disease is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. The meibomian glands, which are in the eyelids, produce a protective oily layer of tear film. This oil helps to protect the ocular surface from disease and prevents the watery part of your tears from evaporating when your eyes are open. When the glands become blocked and are no longer producing enough oil, the eyes become uncomfortable and you begin to experience the varying symptoms associated with Dry Eye Disease.

Maintaining great eye health is a lifelong commitment.

Making healthy vision last a lifetime involves a commitment to establishing healthy habits. From nutrition choices, to protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, there are measures you can take to keep your eyes in tip top shape throughout the course of your life. Scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam is one of those measures. Comprehensive eye exams can detect eye diseases and other health issues.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR EYE HEALTH

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Blinking Exercises

Partial Blinking is very common in people with dry eyes. If you have been diagnosed as a partial blinker and your doctor feels blinking exercises would be helpful to you, please follow these instructions.

BLINKING EXERCISES

Punctal Occlusion

An additional dry eye treatment is the punctal occlusion. During the procedure, tiny biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear ducts. These plugs block drainage and increase moisture in the tear film and on the eye’s surface. This is the least invasive of the long-term solutions to treat Dry Eye Syndrome. Punctal occlusion will allow you to use your own natural tears without the inconvenience and expense of constantly replacing the tear film with artificial tears.

The entire procedure can be performed at our office within a few minutes. Many patients report immediate relief from dry eye symptoms. This procedure is best used when the surface of the eye tissue has minimal evidence of inflammation. Typically, we recommend the comfortable 6-month duration plug which dissolves naturally and is replaced as needed.