The best dry eye treatment may differ for each person depending on the root cause of their symptoms. That’s why the Dry Eye Treatment Center at Metro Eye Care has a wide range of diagnostic tools and treatment methods to address the specific symptoms and conditions of your dry eye syndrome.
During your dry eye consultation, your eye doctor will determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms. Based on those findings, your eye doctor will develop a treatment plan to help reduce or eliminate your symptoms as well as improve the overall health of your eyes.
Keep reading to learn more about the dry eye treatment options available!
What Are the Dry Eye Treatment Options?
At Metro Eye Care, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective dry eye treatment methods available. Your eye doctor will work with you to find the treatment method that best improves your symptoms.
Artificial Tears, Gels, and Ointments
Artificial tears are eye drops or solutions to soothe dry and uncomfortable eyes. The goal of artificial tears is to imitate the natural tear film that covers your eyes, providing moisture and lubrication.
They usually contain a mix of water, electrolytes, and lubricating agents like glycerin or propylene glycol. Some types might have preservatives to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can buy artificial tears without a prescription at most drugstores, and they come in different forms, like liquid drops, gels, or ointments.
Anti-inflammatory Treatments
Chronic inflammation is an underlying problem of dry eye. As with other parts of the body, anti-inflammatory treatment may be prescribed.
Reducing inflammation will reduce the amount of damage that occurs over the long term. Ongoing use of eye drops such as Xiidra and Restasis can calm inflammation and increase tear production and the quality of the tears produce.
Other eyedrops are used to address inflammation immediately. These are corticosteroids and, after several weeks of use, are tapered off.
Another option is doxycycline. Low doses of this medication work as an anti-inflammatory and can treat other diseases that affect the surface of the eye.
Punctal Plugs
These medical devices are microscopic in size and work as plugs. Placed in the tear duct, they block drainage, resulting in improved tear quality which helps to increase moisture.
It’s an in-office procedure, and the ductal plugs should feel comfortable after placement.
MiBoThermoflo
Like a massage for the eyelids, MiBoThermoflo is a thermal treatment for dry eye syndrome. Heat and pressure are applied for a warm massage using a gel that helps break down the debris blocking the flow of tear film oil.
Using MiBoThermoflo results in thinner and clearer oil secretions, improving the tear film quality. This is also an in-office treatment, with three sessions over the course of a month typically recommended.
Autologous Serum Eye Drops
These custom-made eye drops are developed using the plasma-rich liquid that is drawn from your blood and spun down using a centrifuge. What’s present are natural growth factors, immunoglobulins, vitamins, and other essential components from the blood, and they’re used to heal the eye surface and promote its health.
Amniotic Membrane
This corneal bandage, which is used to treat and heal dry eye, among other eye conditions, is a biological therapeutic. The amniotic membrane is placed on the eye for several days.
Once removed, the eye is rejuvenated and often feels better.
TrueTear Neurostimulator
The TrueTear Neurostimulator is a medical device that uses state-of-the-art technology to help increase tear production. As it’s name implies, the treatment uses neurostimulation.
No drops or drugs are involved. Instead, nasal stimulation using tiny, random pulses of energy sends nerve signals to the brain. The brain, in turn, sends nerve signals to the tear glands to increase tear production. It’s safe, effective, and a cutting-edge means of treating dry eye.
Your eye doctor at metro eye care will work with you to find the best treatment method to adequately reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Are you experiencing dry eye symptoms? Schedule an appointment at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today to get a personalized treatment plan to improve your symptoms!
