Dry Eye Therapy Options Available at Eye Trends Southlake

Dry eye syndrome is a common yet often debilitating condition that affects millions of people in North Texas and beyond. From constant discomfort to blurred vision, dry eye can significantly impact your daily life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and advanced treatment options available can help you find relief and improve your eye health.
 

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either fail to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor quality. This condition is often caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of dry eye, which happens when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked, causing tears to evaporate rapidly. Environmental factors like wind, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time can also exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, aging, hormonal changes, menopause, and certain medical conditions can contribute to reduced tear production, making dry eye a common issue for many individuals.
 

Why You Need to See a Doctor

While over-the-counter eye drops may offer temporary relief, addressing the root cause of dry eye requires a thorough evaluation by an eye doctor. Dr. Chris Steritz will use advanced testing to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms, develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, and help prevent potential complications such as corneal damage or infections, ensuring long-term eye health and comfort.
 

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments at Eye Trends Southlake

We offer the latest and most effective treatments to provide long-term relief from dry eye syndrome. Our cutting-edge therapies target the underlying causes of dry eye, ensuring improved tear production and eye comfort.
 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses precise light pulses to reduce inflammation and enhance the function of the meibomian glands. By improving oil flow and stabilizing the tear film, IPL alleviates dryness, irritation, and redness. This therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and ocular rosacea, two of the leading causes of dry eye. IPL also helps reduce eyelid telangiectasia (tiny dilated blood vessels), which contribute to chronic inflammation and gland blockage.
 

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT utilizes targeted red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, improve gland function, and promote natural healing in the eyelids and ocular surface. This therapy reduces inflammation and enhances tear film stability, making it an excellent option for patients with persistent dry eye symptoms. LLLT is particularly effective for individuals who may not tolerate more invasive treatments or prefer a holistic approach to eye care.
 

Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian gland expression is a specialized procedure that clears blockages in the meibomian glands. Using gentle heat and manual pressure, this procedure liquefies and expels thickened oil secretions, restoring proper gland function and promoting a healthier tear film. This treatment is highly effective for patients with moderate to severe MGD and is often combined with other therapies, such as IPL or LLLT, for optimal results.
 

Eyelid Micro-Exfoliation

Eyelid micro-exfoliation is a deep-cleaning procedure designed to remove debris, bacteria, biofilm, and dead skin cells from the eyelid margins and lash line. This buildup often contributes to chronic blepharitis, which exacerbates dry eye symptoms. By using a specialized medical-grade exfoliating device, this procedure improves eyelid hygiene, reduces inflammation, and enhances the effectiveness of other dry eye treatments. Regular micro-exfoliation treatments can prevent gland blockages and promote healthier tear production.
 

Amniotic Membrane Treatment

For patients experiencing severe dry eye or corneal damage, amniotic membrane therapy offers a powerful regenerative solution. This treatment involves placing a biologically active amniotic tissue graft onto the eye’s surface, which reduces inflammation, accelerates cell regeneration, and protects the cornea. Amniotic membranes are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic dry eye, recurrent corneal erosions, and non-healing epithelial defects, providing lasting relief and promoting long-term ocular health.
 

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible inserts placed in the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and enhance moisture retention. This simple and minimally invasive procedure helps patients who suffer from rapid tear evaporation or insufficient tear production by keeping the natural tears on the eye’s surface longer. Punctal plugs are an excellent option for moderate to severe dry eye sufferers who need additional tear retention to maintain comfort and clarity.
 

Take the First Step Toward Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye syndrome can be frustrating, but effective, long-term solutions are available. At Eye Trends Southlake, we customize dry eye treatments to suit each patient’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for long-term relief and improved eye health.
 

If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation at Eye Trends Southlake today! Call (817) 900-EYES (3937) or visit our office in Southlake, Texas, to find the right treatment option for you.