Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eyes affect millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 4.88 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from this uncomfortable condition.

If you need help, book an appointment at Valley Eye Clinic. We’ll help you find a treatment option that brings you the relief you’re searching for.

Everyone experiences dry eye differently because there are so many potential underlying causes.

Typical symptoms include:

• Redness or eyes that appear irritated and bloodshot
• Consistent burning or tingling sensations in the eyes
• Eyes that feel itchy or as if they have something in them
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights or sunlight
• Excessive tearing, or eyes that always appear watery

There are many potential causes of dry eye.

In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as environmental irritants or short-term inflammation.

Some of the other causes of chronic dry eye problems include:

• Disease of the meibomian glands
• Blepharitis
• Allergies
• Defects that affect the eyelid or shape of the eye
• Certain medications
• Abnormal eye pressure
• Deficiency of aqueous fluids

Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye.

Through imaging of the meibomian glands, measuring osmolarity of the tear film, and screening for certain conditions, we are able to diagnose and provide treatment for the condition. Our dry eye specialist, Charlotte, will perform a dry eye workup to help determine your care plan.

Our state of the art technology and treatment options include:

Oculus Keratograph – instrument used to diagnose the underlying condition(s) that cause the eyes to by dry to treatment can be targeted

Lacrifill® Canalicular Gel is an FDA-cleared, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel designed to treat dry eye by temporarily filling the tear drainage system (punctal canaliculi). This in-office procedure, often lasting about six months, blocks tear drainage to increase natural moisture retention and improve tear film stability, providing long-lasting, customizable, and comfortable symptom relief.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) are non-invasive, in-office treatments often used together to treat chronic dry eye disease, specifically Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). IPL uses light pulses to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, while RF applies heat to unclog oil glands and tighten skin.

Dry Eye Rescue OTC products available in our office or on-line with our professional recommendation to
meet your individual needs.

Prescription eye drops to combat inflammation or an underlying infection.

ZEST (Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment) is a professional, in-office procedure that uses a natural okra-based gel to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and remove bacteria, oil, and mites from the eyelids.

OPTASE lid scrubs, primarily in the form of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) Wipes and Manuka Oil Wipes, are designed to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate irritated eyelids and lashes, making them effective for daily lid hygiene and managing conditions like blepharitis or Demodex. They remove crusting, oil, and makeup without preservatives.

The OPTASE® Moist Heat Mask is a reusable, microwavable mask designed to relieve dry eyes, blepharitis, styes, and blocked glands by delivering consistent, moist heat via HydroBead technology. It is heated for 25 seconds in a microwave, providing 10-30 minutes of relief, and should be used daily for effective treatment of eyelid oil gland issues.

Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable — they can also be bad for the health of your eyes. Book an appointment below to find relief.