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Dry Eye

Our Treatments

  1. Cataract Treatment
  2. Glaucoma
  3. Oculoplasty Treatment
  4. FEMTO-Z8
  5. Amblyopia
  6. Contact Lenses
  7. Cornea
  8. Diabetic Retinopathy
  9. Dry Eye
  10. ICL
  11. Keratoplasty
  12. Laser Eye Surgeries
  13. Lasik
  14. Trans PRK Surgery
  15. SMILE
  16. Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
  17. Low Vision Aids
  18. Myopia Management
  19. Neuro Ophthalmology
  20. Paediatric Ophthalmology
  21. Retina and Uvea
  22. Squint

Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when tears cannot properly lubricate the eyes. This is caused by decreased production of tears & excess evaporation of tears. At Swarup Eye Centre, we offer comprehensive care for patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Understanding Dry Eye

The eye has a protective layer which coats the surface of the eye i.e. tear film; formed by glands located around the eye and maintains the moisture level in the eye. This protective film is important for comfort and clear vision. Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes wet and comfortable; this condition is known as dry eye. In some conditions like external environment and blockage of oil glands, the tear film gets quickly evaporated which again leads to Dry Eye.


Dry Eye Treatment

Precautions for Dry Eye

  • Try to avoid smoke/dusty, windy, and air conditioning environments
  • Use humidifiers in your home
  • Limit screen time and take intermediate breaks
  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: take a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of screen time to look at something 20 feet away
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses in outdoor environments
  • Ensure good sleep during the night

Causes and Symptoms

Causes:

  • Systemic conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Graves' disease, Diabetes, Scleroderma, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Sjogren's syndrome
  • Hormonal changes due to menopause and pregnancy
  • Environmental factors
  • Contact lens wear
  • Poor blinking habits while reading/prolonged exposure to screen time
  • Certain medications including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications

Symptoms:

  • Burning sensation & irritation
  • Light sensitivity
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Gritty or sandy sensation

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for Dry Eye:

  • Drugs and Ointments: These provide lubrication between lids and ocular surface, giving comfort and relief from burning and gritty sensation.
  • Tear Duct Plugs: These punctual plugs are inserted at the puncta of eyelids, which reduce the draining of tears.
  • Contact Lens: Special contact lenses (i.e. bandage lens and sclera lens) provide protection for the surface of the eyes and maintain moisture upon the eyes.
  • Serum Drops: Also called autologous serum eye drops, a sample of your blood is processed to remove the red blood cells and then mixed with saline. These serum drops are given to patients with moderate to severe dry eye.
  • Punctual Cauterization: This is a type of permanent punctual occlusion in which the eyelid puncta are surgically closed using thermocautery (electrocautery).
  • Surgical Treatment: Includes:
    • Tarsorrhaphy: In which eyelids are surgically closed with help of sutures for protection of eye surface.
    • Minor salivary gland transplant: In which a small tissue is taken from the salivary gland and will be placed on the ocular surface (cornea).

Expert Consultation at Swarup Eye Centre

Consult our eye doctor to know about your treatment options. Sometimes, another illness or condition like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, SJS or arthritis could be the reason for your dry eyes. If this is the case, treating the systemic illness is also necessary to treat dry eyes.

If you have dry eyes, be aware of the circumstances that are most likely to make them worse. Find ways to stay away from those circumstances or visit Swarup Eye Centre to treat your dry eye disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can dry eye be cured completely?
    While dry eye is often a chronic condition, with proper treatment and management, symptoms can be significantly reduced and comfort improved.
  • Are artificial tears enough to treat dry eye?
    For mild cases, artificial tears may provide sufficient relief. However, moderate to severe cases often require additional treatments as recommended by your eye doctor.
  • How long do punctal plugs last?
    Temporary plugs dissolve over time (a few days to several months), while permanent plugs can last indefinitely unless they fall out or are removed.
  • Is dry eye more common with age?
    Yes, dry eye becomes more common as we age, particularly in women after menopause due to hormonal changes.