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.

Two Antioxidants You Should Incorporate Into Your Supplement Regimen and Why

While everyone should consider taking a high quality multivitamin for overall health, most do not include the powerful antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies reveal that these antioxidants, which are naturally found in dark leafy vegetables, can help protect the eyes (and skin) from the damaging effects of UV and blue light exposure over time. They work best if taken together.
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Repeated exposure to UV and blue light can cause free radical damage in the eyes, which can lead to vision loss via cataracts and macular degeneration. Sufficient intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to boost protective pigment levels in the retina, which leads to less absorption of damaging wavelengths of light. Studies also show that the skin benefits by improving skin tone and protecting it from premature aging due to UV damage.
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They naturally occur in the macula but the body does not produce as much over time. There’s no recommended dose at this time, but studies show that people who are more prone to free radical damage (such as smokers, people with poor diets/low intake of fruits and vegetables, and those exposed to excess UV or blue light during the day) need more intake. The goal according to the AREDS2 study is at least 10mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin a day. Most Americans are only getting 1-3 mg a day in their diets.
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Lutein and zeaxanthin have a high safety profile. I recommend Eyepromise’s Zeaxanthin and Lutein supplement to all my patients interested in supplementing for their eye health. I also recommend Eyepromise’s Screen Shield Pro for those who spend a significant amount of time on digital devices. This product is amazing because it includes 14 mg of zeaxanthin, 7 mg of lutein and other crucial vitamins like D, C, E, omega-3 and bilberry among others. Visit www.eyepromise.com and enter code 13278 at checkout for savings!