TREATMENTS FOR DRY EYE

AND BLEPHARITIS

ARTIFICIAL TEARS/LUBRICANTS

These are the classic treatment to add moisture to the surface of the eye. They are available in various thicknesses and vary based on the amount of water and lipid they contain. Different eyes require different types of artificial tears, some even requiring thicker agents such as gels and ointments. Testing indicates which is best for you.

WARM COMPRESSES/GEL MASKS

Warm compresses are commonly utilized to improve the quality and drainage of the lid margin oil glands which produce oils that keep the tears from evaporating too quickly, producing longer lasting tears and more comfortable eyes with a more stable focus.

BLEPHEX AND LID CLEANSING FOAM

BlephEx® is a painless in-office procedure performed by your eye care professional or trained technician. A revolutionary new patented BlephEx® handpiece is used to very precisely and carefully, spin a medical grade sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, removing material and debris, while exfoliating the eyelid margin.

AVENOVA AND CLIRADEX

Avenova is a daily topical lid solution prescribed to treat mild to moderate eyelid inflammation. Cliradex is a daily lid-scrub wipe containing Teatree Oil, a substance that is very effective in the treatment of eyelid inflammation, especially when the cause is known to be due to the presence of the mite, Demodex, a common eyelid margin parasite.

PUNCTAL PLUGS

Punctal plugs help to retain the naturally produced tears of the eye in the hopes of reducing or eliminating dependency on artificial tear drops. A small item is placed in the office into the small tear drain opening at the inner corner of the lid, thus blocking some of the outflow of tears and retaining them on the surface of the eye, reducing dryness. This is a simple office procedure that takes just a few minutes.

PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS

This class of treatments includes antibiotics, which are prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the ocular surface and lid margin. as well, anti-allergy drops such as Zaditor, Restasis and Xiidra are prescribed to treat symptoms of ocular irritation due to allergy. Topical steroids and the well-known product, Restasis, are occasionally prescribed to reduce chronic inflammation, thereby restoring the eye’s natural ability to produce tears.

LIPIFLOW

Lipiflow from Johnson and Johnson is a treatment that purges and renovates the eyelid margin glands. Several warming and massage cycles gently remove blockages from the eyelid margin glands.  As gland function improves, the eyes are left more comfortable and vision can become less variable.  This comfortable treatment takes about 15 minutes to perform in the office and can last up to two years or longer.