How To Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms

Itchiness, pain, burning, redness and light sensitivity are all symptoms of dry eye. These symptoms can impact your quality of life. If left untreated, severe dry eye can even damage the cornea.

Dr. Jay L. Schwartz is a knowledgeable and experienced ophthalmologist. He is committed to caring for his patients with the latest advances in ophthalmological technique and technology. If you are suffering from dry eye, this article is for you. Here, Dr. Schwartz discusses how to relieve dry eye symptoms.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are typically the first treatment option for dry eye symptoms. Regularly applied eye drops can help to relieve many dry eye symptoms.

Medication

While eye drops can help with dry eye symptoms, eye drops may not be able to treat underlying causes of dry eye. That is why it is important to schedule an eye exam with an experienced eye doctor to diagnose the cause of the dry eye.

Different causes require different treatments. Eye drops with corticosteroids can help with inflammation. An infection may require antibiotics. Other medications may be prescribed to stimulate tear flow.

Plugging the Tear Ducts

If eye drops and medication fail to relieve the dry eye symptoms, the eye doctor may consider more advanced treatment options. One such option is plugging the tear ducts with silicone plugs. The plugs prevent tears, eye drops and medication from draining and help the eyes retain moisture.

Eyelid Therapy Solutions

Dr. Schwartz offers patients a number of advanced eyelid therapy solutions including the iLux Treatment System. iLux utilizes targeted heat to melt away waxy obstructions in the meibomian (oil) glands that can interfere with a healthy tear film.

Obstruction and Blockage Removal

Dr. Schwartz offers patients a number of treatment options to remove obstructions and clear blockages. These treatments include the following:

• The BlephEx rotating sponge that clears debris
• TearCare heating patches that unclog glands
• The Bruder mask hot compress that warms glands and clears blockages

Clinical Studies

New therapies are regularly being developed to treat dry eye symptoms. These therapies may become available to select patients during the early testing stages. Patients are encouraged to ask Dr. Schwartz about current or upcoming studies.

Contact Our Outstanding Team

You don’t have to live with dry eye. Dr. Schwartz leads a team of outstanding ophthalmologists and optometrists who can diagnose and treat your dry eye symptoms. Schedule your eye exam by calling (480) 483-3937 or filling out our online contact form.