The Latest Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

In the quest to find the latest treatment for dry eye syndrome, a clear understanding of ocular surface diseases serves as a vital starting point. Ocular surface diseases refer to a group of disorders affecting the surface of the cornea and the conjunctiva, leading to the common and discomforting issue known as dry eye syndrome (1).

These diseases disrupt the tear film, which keeps our eyes lubricated and comfortable. The disruption, in turn, instigates tear instability, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity, resulting in the dreaded dry eye syndrome.
Armed with this knowledge, our doctors at Mountain Shadow Vision Center can actively seek out the best treatment for dry eyes for our patients and work towards restoring ocular health.

What Different Factors Cause Dry Eye Symptoms?

In the complex world of ocular health, multiple factors can trigger the discomfort of dry eye symptoms. 

• Weather plays a significant role. Harsh winds and low humidity can evaporate the tear film on our eyes, leading to dryness. Introducing a humidifier into your home may help (2).

• Age causes our eyes to naturally produce fewer tears, making older individuals more susceptible to dry eyes.

• Environment too, can be a culprit. People working in dusty, smoky, or dry environments often find themselves dealing with this problem.

• Allergies might instigate inflammation and disturb the tear film, contributing to dry eye symptoms.

• Contact lenses can cause wearers to frequently experience dry eyes, primarily due to lens material absorbing the eye's natural moisture. 

• Excessive eye strain can prompt the eyes to dry out for avid readers and computer users, as we tend to blink less when concentrating.

• Post-eye surgery patients can also experience temporary dry eye symptoms, a common after-effect of procedures that might disturb the cornea.

• Medications including antihistamines, birth control pills, and some blood pressure drugs, list dry eye syndrome as a side effect. 

Mibo Thermoflo

As part of our commitment to offering the latest treatments for dry eye syndrome, Mountain Shadow Vision Center brings you Mibo Thermoflo. This advanced therapy uses a carefully controlled heat source that works to loosen the oils in the Meibomian glands.

 Combined with a gentle massage, this warm treatment allows for the smooth flow of oils into the tear film, alleviating the discomfort of dry eye syndrome. It breaks down the lipids, the natural oils inside of your eyelids, that help your eyes retain moisture.

While it does not provide a permanent solution, Mibo Thermoflo provides a safe, comfortable, and effective avenue towards dry eye relief that can last for months after a small series of treatments (3).

Intense Light Pulse Therapy

When it comes to breakthrough treatments for dry eye syndrome, Intense Light Pulse (IPL) therapy shines bright. IPL therapy leverages pulses of light to gently heat and stimulate the Meibomian glands, which are instrumental in producing the oil layer of your tears.

This process melts hardened oils blocking the glands, encouraging healthier tear production, and relieving dry eye symptoms. As a non-invasive and safe procedure, IPL therapy promises hope for those grappling with dry eye syndrome.

Punctal Plugs

In the array of tools to combat dry eye symptoms, punctal plugs claim a unique place. Tiny, biocompatible devices, these plugs get inserted into the tear ducts, also known as puncta. Their main purpose? To slow the drainage of tears from the eye.

When tear drainage reduces, more moisture remains on the eye surface, alleviating the discomforting symptoms of dry eye syndrome. With these plugs, patients can experience an increase in their eye's tear film and surface moisture, which leads to a significant reduction in dryness, itching, and the sensation of foreign bodies in the eyes.

 Although the idea of having a plug inserted in the tear duct might seem intimidating, the procedure remains quick, relatively painless, and can make a dramatic difference in managing dry eye symptoms. But, bear in mind, like all treatments, punctal plugs serve as a part of the larger dry eye treatment strategy and not a standalone solution.

The Power of Ocular Nutrition

While the latest treatments continue to redefine the combat against dry eye syndrome, we believe in a holistic approach to eye health. Ocular nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the health of your eyes.

A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, combined with advanced treatments can help optimize your journey towards healthier eyes. Mountain Shadows Vision Center commits to bringing you the best treatment for dry eyes, guiding you every step of the way.

Artificial Tears

In the battle against dry eye symptoms, artificial tears emerge as a common ally. Acting as a supplement, they aim to mimic the moisture and lubrication of natural tears. When a person blinks, a fresh layer of artificial tears spreads across the cornea, offering immediate relief from the stinging and burning sensations often associated with dry eyes.

Artificial tears come in different viscosities, each providing a varying degree of symptom relief. Drops with a low viscosity provide quick relief with minimal blurring of vision, while those with a high viscosity offer longer-lasting relief, albeit with potential temporary blurriness.

These tears serve not just to relieve discomfort, but also protect the delicate tissues of the eye. Despite their efficacy, they don't address the underlying causes of dry eye symptoms. Thus, while artificial tears deliver temporary relief, they should be used as part of a broader treatment plan for persistent dry eye syndrome.

Specialty Contacts

    A myriad of different specialty contacts (2) can help alleviate dry eye symptoms:

• Soft Lenses: These lenses work well for people with chronic dry eyes. Soft lenses hold in water and allow oxygen to pass through the lens to let the eye breathe. 

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Allow oxygen to pass through to the eye and reduce the amount of contact the lenses make with the eye, reducing irritation.

• Silicone Hydrogels: These porous lenses also allow extra oxygen to the eye, which can significantly help people suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Mountain Shadows Vision Center Wants to Help

For more of the latest updates and breakthroughs in eye care, don't forget to visit our dry eye treatment blog to learn more about the latest treatments for dry eye syndrome. Here's to clearer, healthier vision in 2023 and beyond!

(1) American Academy of Ophthalmology: Improved Dry Eye Drugs for 2022 and Beyond
(2) Harvard Health Publishing: The Latest Thinking on Dry Eye Treatments
(3) Review of Ophthalmology : Not a Dry Eye in the House - Latest Treatments