Dry Eye FAQs

Preservative-free artificial tears are the first line of defense, as preservatives are often a contributing factor to dry eyes. Artificial tears can provide temporary symptomatic relief. Lid hygiene is also an effective way to help manage symptoms. Lid hygiene includes two at-home treatments: warm compresses and lid scrubs.

Most people suffer from an oil deficiency in their tears, and warm compresses can help stimulate the oil glands that produce and release the oil component into the tear film. Lid scrubs gently clean your eyelids and lashes to help keep debris and common bacteria at bay. Some patients may require prescription medications, such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast (Restasis, Cequa, or Xiidra). We also offer dry eye treatments in the office to help manage your symptoms.

Yes. Wearing UV-protective lenses (sunglasses or clear lenses) can help protect your eyes and the surface of your eyes. UV radiation may contribute to cataract formation and macular degeneration. Excessive UV exposure can lead to benign and cancerous growths on the surface of the eye.

No, there is no evidence that working at a computer can damage the eyes. However, low light, glare on the monitor, or prolonged computer screen use can cause the eyes to become fatigued. It is recommended to take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest and to use artificial tears to replenish your tear film.

The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain from prolonged screen use. Every 20 minutes, you should take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This exercise relaxes the eye’s focusing muscle, helping to alleviate headaches, dry eyes, and blurry vision.

Dry eye is a common chronic medical condition that can affect your eyes, vision, and lifestyle if left untreated. There are two primary types of dry eye. Evaporative dry eye, which is associated with a deficiency in the oily layer of your tear film, and aqueous-deficient dry eye, which is associated with a deficiency in the water layer of your tear film.

As part of the examination, the doctor will use several tests and diagnostic tools, including a LipiView Analysis and a TearLab Osmolarity test, to assess and identify the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and recommend the best treatment for you.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

• Stinging and burning
• Blurred vision, especially when reading
• Vision that fluctuates and improves with blinking or artificial tears
• A scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
• Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
• Red or irritated eyes, especially in wind or smoke
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Excessive tearing

Having a lot of tears with dry eye may sound odd, but your eyes make more tears when irritated by dryness.

Dry eye is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the surface of the eye. Without treatment, the symptoms may ebb and flow, but there is likely progressive damage occurring to the front surface of your eye. If left untreated, dry eyes can become dangerous. Excessive dryness can scar the cornea, impair vision, and damage tissues. Significant dryness can increase the risk of infection, breakdown of corneal barriers, and corneal perforation.

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of adequate tears. Your tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. This mixture helps smooth and clear the surface of your eyes and protect them from infection. For some people, dry eyes are caused by decreased tear production.

Unfortunately, there is currently no permanent cure for dry eye. Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that can be managed and controlled with consistent treatment. Technology has advanced tremendously over the last decade, offering new and exciting treatments for dry eye that can provide greater symptom relief and help prevent disease progression. Our advanced dry eye clinic offers patients a full spectrum of testing and treatment options to combat the effects of chronic dry eye.

There are various dry eye treatment options available here at Florida Eye Specialists. Here are a few of the most common treatments:

• Lubrication (artificial tears, gels, and ointments)
• Prescription options: Restasis / Xiidra / Cequa
• Punctal plugs
• LipiFlow
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment
• Microblepharoexfoliation with AbMax
• Surgery on the tear ducts or drainage system

In addition to one or more of the above dry eye treatment options, your doctor may recommend blinking exercises, warm compresses, fish oil and flaxseed supplements, and tips to improve lid hygiene to help improve your dry eye symptoms.