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Dry Eye Syndrome is a common eye condition that occurs when the tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. The Kraff Eye Institute can help you navigate the causes, and help to find the cure to treat your dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eye Disease, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is very common. Dry Eye affects millions of people every year. Dry Eye occurs when your eyes don't make enough tears to stay wet and lubricated, or when your tears do not perform correctly. This can cause your eyes to feel uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can interfere with the quality of the vision. The risk of developing dry eye increases with age, and is often seen in post-menopausal women.
Dry Eye can present with several symptoms and is typically self-diagnosable. Symptoms include:
Dry Eye can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Reporting your symptoms to your eye care provider, will lead them to test the volume of your tears and the quality of your tears.
Treatment for dry eye usually depends on what is causing your symptoms. There are several treatment options that can improve your symptoms and keep your eyes healthy.
The Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatment is a quick and painless procedure done right in your doctor's office. The Lipiflow uses sterile activators that are gently placed under the eyelids. The activators create a series of warm pulsations, which will gently unclog the oil glands in the eye lids. By unclogging these glands, it allows your eyes natural oils to mix with your tear film to prevent the tear film from evaporating and causing the eyes to feel dry.
Over the counter eye drops are a common treatment for mild dry eye symptoms. You can purchase them without a prescription, and they can be used as often as you would like. For night time treatment, you can also purchase moisturizing gels and ointments that help to keep the eyes moist while sleeping.
In cases that are more serious, you may be given a prescription by your doctor. Two of the most commonly prescribed medicines are Restasis and Xiidra. Both medications work by helping your eyes to produce more of your own tears.
If something in your environment is causing your dry eyes, your doctor may suggest some changes. Try to avoid smoking, limit screen time, use a humidifier if your home is dry, drink plenty of water and get adequate amounts of sleep. These are all simple changes that can make significant improvements in the way the eyes feel.
If the tears in your eye are draining too quickly, your doctor may suggest putting a special plug (called punctal plugs) into your tear ducts. These plugs can keep the tears in your eyes longer.
Dry eye is rarely treated with surgery, but in the rare instance that the lower eyelids are too loose, causing tears to drain too quickly, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the eyelids so the tears remain in the eye.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is an advanced treatment that uses powerful bursts of light at specific wavelengths to reduce inflammation of the lower eyelids that can cause dry eye.
Dry Eyes can be caused by a variety of reasons. Disruption to the tear film that usually keeps the surface of your eyes lubricated, smooth and clear, is the main culprit. Reasons for this tear film disruption are many and can include:
If you are ready to address your red, irritated, dry eyes, call the Kraff Eye Institute today and schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dry eye can be annoying, and the experts at the Kraff Eye Institute are ready to bring you comfort. You can simply CALL US at 312-444-1111 or make an appointment using the online forms at the link below.
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Dry Eye Treatment can range from very affordable to more expensive. Over the counter tears are a very cost effective treatment but may not work for everyone. Lipiflow is an option that is more expensive, and is typically not covered by major medical insurance.
The Kraff Eye Institute is a proud partner of CareCredit, America's top patient payment program. CareCredit will allow you to start your dry eye treatment, then pay for it at your convenience with low monthly payments.
With over 30 years of experience Dr. Colman Kraff is committed to providing the safest and most effective care and treatment options for all of his patients. Dr. Kraff is dedicated to staying up to date with new, and upcoming treatment options so he can always offer his patients the most up to date therapies.
To schedule a consultation for your dry eye syndrome, call our office at 312-444-1111 or make an appointment using the online forms at the link below.
Schedule Consultation
There are several factors that can make you more likely to experience dry eyes. These factors can include being older than 50, tear production tends to diminish as we age. A lack of adequate tear film is more common in women. This is especially true during hormonal changes or menopause. Having a diet low in vitamin A can amplify dry eyes. Wearing contact lenses or having recently had refractive eye surgery can also cause the eyes to feel dry.
People who experience persistent dry eyes can experience complications. Eye infections are more prevalent since the tear film is the eyes first defense against infection. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasions of the corneal surface, and corneal ulcers. Dry eyes can interfere with everyday activities , such as reading and driving.
Knowing the situations that will most likely cause dry eyes, can help you avoid them and prevent your symptoms. Avoid air blowing into the eyes, and add moisture to the air with a humidifier. Consider wearing sunglasses, they can block wind and dry air. Take breaks during long tasks, including while using a computer screen or digital device. Stop smoking, smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms. Using artificial tears regularly even when the eyes don't feel dry, can help them remain lubricated.
You should contact your eye care professional if you have red or painful eyes, see discharge or a sore on your eyelid. If you have an injury or notice drooping of the eyelid. If you are attempting to treat your dry eyes yourself and don't see an improvement, you should contact your doctor.
