Experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease? Learn more about this common condition and how we treat and manage it at our dry eye center of excellence
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease that can impact your vision and daily activities. Our tear film consists of aqueous, mucin and oil and any imbalance of these constituents can trigger several uncomfortable symptoms.
The most common symptoms of dry eye include: redness, irritation, increased light sensitivity, blurred vision that comes and goes, tearing, frequent styes or chalazia, and decreased contact lens wear time. Several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like arthritis, thyroid issues, lupus, and Sjogrens can trigger and worsen dry eye. Many skin conditions like rosacea and eczema can also trigger ocular dryness.
Ocular surface disease is inflammatory in nature and there are two main types of dry eye. Our lacrimal gland functions to produce tears but if it is inflamed then tear production can decrease. This is called aqueous deficiency. Our meibomian glands that surround both upper and lower lids function to pump oil into the tear film when we blink. If the meibomian glands are inflamed, clogged or atrophied, then not enough oil enters the tear film leading to evaporation of the tears. This is evaporative dry eye.
Many patients present with one type of dry eye and others have a combination of both. Dr. Tinari uses several tests to diagnose the type of dry eye that her patients have, enabling her to better treat their symptoms. During a dry eye evaluation, she incorporates Schirmers testing to rule out aqueous deficiency. She uses fluorescein staining and meibography to rule out evaporative dry eye and evaluate for corneal epithelial damage. She also performs corneal epithelial mapping to monitor the change in corneal epithelial cells in her dry eye patients over time.
Several treatments are available to manage this chronic disease. Dr. Tinari was one of the first optometrists in the area to invest in OptiLight IPL, the only FDA approved light therapy for the treatment of MGD/ocular rosacea/evaporative dry eye. She routinely prescribes serum tears for patients with recurrent corneal erosions, corneal epithelial damage, neurotrophic keratitis, and dry eye. Punctal plugs, amniotic membranes, and several prescription/OTC drops are available depending on your type of dry eye. Dr. Tinari also assesses the lid margin for any evidence of inflammation or blepharitis which contributes to dry eye symptoms. She performs in office lid cleaning treatments and recommends specific lid cleansers to maintain results. Nutrition also plays a role in the disease, especially with ocular rosacea. Dr. Tinari can recommend specific nutrients and foods that may help reduce the inflammation associated with dry eye.
Dr. Tinari is currently accepting new appointments. A personalized treatment plan for your condition awaits. Book today! We look forward to helping you.