Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye does not necessarily mean your eyes are “dry,” but that there are signs and/or symptoms of dryness. Many people who suffer from “dry eye” have chronically watery eyes because of an imbalance in the systems that maintain the ocular surface. Dry eye disease is often associated and exacerbated by other conditions such as blepharitis, meibomian gland disease, and rosacea.
Dr Xu is bringing cutting edge dry eye treatments to Staten Island. We have the newest, and the only FDA approved IPL treatment for dry eye in Staten Island.
Dry eye disease is very common especially in today’s world when we are all involved in electronics, whether it is at work or at home in entertainment. Additionally, in patients with glaucoma or with environmental allergies, the glaucoma or allergy eye drops tend to contribute to additional dryness. It is a chronic condition.
OIL (LIPID) LAYER:
WATER (AQUEOUS) LAYER:
MUCIN LAYER:
Causes of Dry Eye Disease
The causes of dry eyes are multifactorial:
6. Environmental factors.
Windy and dry climates increase tear evaporation
Digital eye strain: when we focus on a screen (computer, cellphone, iPads) or when reading for prolonged period, we naturally reduce our blinking rate, causing evaporative dry eyes.
Air conditioners or heaters are associated with tear insufficiency.
7. Other factors.
Contact lens use
LASIK surgery
Eyelid surgery like upper lid blepharoplasty
Bell’s palsy
What we do
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Irritation
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Pain
- Foreign body sensation
Did you know?
- Meibomian gland disease
- Blepharitis
- Rosacea
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We take an individualized step-wise approach, to give our patients the most relief of symptoms with the least amount of to-do items.
Diagnostic Modalities
- Fluorescein and Vital Dye staining
- Tear Break Up Time
- Schirmer Testing
- SPEED questionnaire
- Sjogren antibody blood test
- Corneal Topography
Treatment Options
- Holistic dietary adjustment and supplements
- Tear Substitutes, drops, gels
- Lid warming eye masks
- Tea Tree Oil based lid cleanser
- Omega 3 – triglyceride form, Oral supplement
- Prescription eyedrops (Restasis, Cequa, Klarity-C, Xiidra drops)
- Punctal plugs
- Debridement of lid margin
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASED)
- Protopic ointment
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin drops
- Environmental modifications such as humidifier, moisture goggles