Dry Eye Syndrome
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome will occur when the eye does not properly produce tears or when the tears are not the correct consistency. There are millions of people that seek help from their eye doctors for this reason. It can be very distracting from everyday life, hindering one's ability to complete routine tasks such as reading, computer use, or driving with windows open.
What are some symtoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?
- Stinging or burning.
- Decreased or fluctuating vision.
- Eye irritation or scratchiness.
- Excess tearing, especially when reading, driving, or watching t.v.
- Stringy mucus in or around eyes.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
What causes dry eyes?
- Age
- Environmental factors: Ex: dusty, windy work environments/windy or desert like climates and use of air conditioning or ceiling fans.
- Menopause
- Medications: for example, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, beta blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants.
- Contact lens wear.
- Poor diet, not enough variety of fruits and vegetable.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Acne and Rosacea.
Diagnosis and Treatment?
There are several methods to test for dry eyes. The doctor determines the underlying causes of dry eyes, by examining the eyes under a slit lamp. We also use a relatively new technology called lipiscan to scan and take a picture of the meibomian glands, as a majority of dry eye symptoms stem from meibomian gland dysfunction.
At Southern TN Eye Specialists, we use the most advanced technologies and techniques to diagnose and completely understand your dry eyes, then treat it so you can get back to comfort and normalcy.
biodoptix
WHAT IS BioDOptix®?
BioDOptix® membrane is a dehydrated membrane allograft derived from human amniotic tissue that is intended for use as an ocular surface covering.
What is amniotic membrane tissue?
Amniotic membrane is part of the placenta and is the tissue closest to the baby throughout development in the womb. Amniotic membrane protects the baby from any harm and has natural therapeutic actions which help the baby develop. The tissue has healing properties that aid in ocular surface repair.
What does BioDOptix® do?
The amniotic membrane tissue in BioDOptix® has natural therapeutic actions that help damaged eye surfaces heal. Eyes treated with BioDOptix® have quicker healing, less pain, less scarring, and less inflammation. The amniotic membrane in BioDOptix® is thin and clear like the tissue on the surface of your eye and protects your eye's damaged tissue while inserted.
What does BioDOptix® treat?
BioDOptix® is used by eye doctors to treat eye diseases such as keratitis, corneal scars, chemical burns, corneal defects, partial limbal stem cell deficiency and many other ocular surface diseases with inflammation.
Is BioDOptix® safe?
BioDOptix® is a safe, effective treatment provided by a tissue bank regulated by the FDA. The tissue has passed many quality control tests before it is provided to your doctor. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about the risks involved with using a human tissue.
low level light therapy
Low Level Light Treatment (LLLT) for Dry Eyes
Developed by NASA, LLLT has proven effective at treating dry eye disease. LLLT uses specially designed LED lights to gently warm up the eyelids, causing the meibomian glands to unclog and release oils needed to keep eyes healthy, moisturized and comfortable.
Low Level Light Therapy is a powerful and unique treatment that is non-invasive, pain and stress-free Meibomian Gland & Dry Eye Treatment as well as treat styes and chalazion (cysts) of the eyelids. *
Our clinic offers this treatment in three 15-20 minute sessions done 2-7 days apart for the best results. This treatment is covered by most insurances.
punctal plugs
What are Punctal Plugs?
How Are Punctal Plugs Inserted?
What are Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are placed in the eye’s tear ducts (called puncta). Puncta are the tiny openings in your eyelids that drain tears from your eyes. The plug is about the size of a grain of rice, and it blocks tears from draining from the eye. This helps keep the eye’s surface moist and comfortable, relieving itchy, burning and red eyes.
Punctal plugs are also called punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs or occluders. Usually they are inserted in the puncta of the upper or lower eyelids, or in both. Another type of plug is placed in a deeper part of the tear duct (the canaliculus).
Types of Punctal Plugs
How Are Punctal Plugs Inserted?
What are Punctal Plugs?
There are two types of punctal plugs. They are temporary/dissolving plugs and semi-permanent plugs. Our clinic offers the temporary plugs.
These are made of a material (such as collagen) that gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body. These plugs can last in the eye from a few days to months. Temporary plugs are often used to keep the eye moist after having refractive surgery, such as LASIK. They are also used when you want to try out punctal plugs to see if they help relieve your dry eye.
How Are Punctal Plugs Inserted?
How Are Punctal Plugs Inserted?
Punctal Plug Possible Risks and Side Effects
First your eye doctor will examine your eye to figure out the best type and size plug for your needs.
Your doctor may numb your tear ducts with anesthesia. In some cases, you may not need to have your eyes numbed. You may feel some pressure as the punctal plug is placed in your eyelid.
After the plugs are inserted, you are usually able to return to your normal activities right away.
Punctal Plug Possible Risks and Side Effects
Punctal Plug Possible Risks and Side Effects
Punctal Plug Possible Risks and Side Effects
As with any treatment or procedure, punctal plugs can have possible risks and side effects.
The most common side effect is having a scratchy or irritating feeling in the corner of your eye. Many people find this feeling goes away or they simply get used to it.
Other side effects and risks may include the following:
- Punctal plugs might make your eyes watery with too many tears. Your plugs may need to be taken out, or they may be replaced with a different type for better tear control.
- Plugs may move or come out of the eye, usually from rubbing your eyes.
- Plugs that don’t fit properly could stick out of the tear duct and rub against the surface of your eye or eyelid.
- Sometimes punctal plugs can irritate the tear ducts. The plugs may cause redness and swelling (inflammation) in the tear duct. Ongoing inflammation can scar or damage the tear ducts.
- Some types of eye infections can occur, though rarely. Some infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Your eye doctor may want to remove the plugs.
Are Punctal Plugs for You?
Punctal Plug Possible Risks and Side Effects
Are Punctal Plugs for You?
If artificial tears or other eye drops have not relieved your dry eye symptoms, talk with your ophthalmologist. They may recommend trying punctal plugs.