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Dry Eye Treatment

Suffering from dry, itchy, red eyes?  Dry Eye Disease may be the culprit.  Learn how Gulfcoast Eye Center can help.

Dry eye is a very complex condition, but the good news is there is relief with proper diagnosis of the cause and tailored treatment.

Symptoms of dry eye vary widely from patient to patient, but often include:

  • redness
  • burning
  • itching
  • tearing
  • light sensitivity
  • pain

Gulfcoast Eye Center realizes the effect dry eyes has on everyday life for so many patients and has embraced the newest treatments. We’ve learned that with a successful balance of treatments, you can reduce and often eliminate your symptoms.

Find the relief you’re searching for — make an appointment online or contact us today.

What causes dry eyes?

Many patients are living with the symptoms of dry eyes when all along there is successful treatment available. The major list of causes of dry eyes include:

  • aqueous deficiency
  • meibomian gland disease
  • inflammation
  • blepharitis
  • environmental allergies
  • functional eyelid defects
  • external conditions
  • medical conditions
  • medications

All these causes of dry eyes need to be treated differently.

In addition, many patients have multiple causes for their dry eyes.

How do you diagnose dry eye?

Proper diagnosis is crucial.  We use such tests as Tear Lab which measures the osmolarity of the patient’s tear film.

We also image every patient’s meibomian glands as a free screening with every full eye exam. This is a must for determining the quality of your tears and the body’s ability to make tears.

How are dry eyes treated?

Treatments for dry eyes include:

  • oil gland treatments such as LipiFlow,
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL),
  • Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT).
  • proper hydration,
  • blink exercises,
  • proper omega 3 supplements,
  • proper allergy drops,
  • lid hygiene,
  • oil based preservative-free artificial tears,
  • anti-inflammatory drops,
  • oral low dose antibiotics,
  • punctum occlusion,
  • autologous blood serum,
  • amniotic membranes

LipiFlow for Dry Eye Treatment

One of the most exciting treatments currently is LipiFlow. This is the only FDA-approved procedure to treat Meibomian gland disease.

Every patient in our practice receives a complimentary Meibomian gland image that determines the Meibomian gland health. The images are reviewed with our patients.

The Meibomian glands are present in the upper and lower lids on each eye. They are responsible for the outer oil layer of our tears.

The LipiFlow treatment opens up these glands and allows the eyes to produce the quality tears they need on their own for years to come.

Our patients have had great success with this treatment. They have been able to resume such things as wearing contact lenses and reading comfortably.

Early treatment for your dry eye condition is vital to prevent further damage.