New York Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is one of the most common eye conditions in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. New Yorkers are particularly susceptible to Dry Eye Disease because of atmospheric pollutants, drying effects from air conditioning and heating, and allergies. Fortunately, modern advances have made dry eye management easier than ever! Fifth Avenue EyeCare & Rosenthal Eye Surgery specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease. If you are suffering from dry eye symptoms, call our offices today.
What causes Dry Eye?
Dry Eye Disease has two causes: a lack of tears, or a poor quality of tear composition. When the tears being produced by your eyes are of poor quality, there is a dysfunction of the tear glands, which produce three tear film components, or layers. The tear film is made up of three layers. When one of these layers is not functioning properly, the entire tear film is not functioning properly.
- an outermost lipid layer (oil layer)
- an aqueous layer, making up 90% of the tear film (water layer)
- a mucin layer that coats the corneal surface
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most common symptoms of dry eye disease (sometimes referred to as “Tear Film Dysfunction”) include:
- blurry vision or visual fatigue
- foreign body sensation
- pain
- watery eyes
- contact lens intolerance
Some dry eye disease is asymptomatic therefore a careful screening by a qualified eye specialist is important on a regular basis.
How is Dry Eye treated?
Dr. Rosenthal can make a definitive dry eye diagnosis in our office, as well as prescribe you eye drops that will help manage dry eye symptoms.
There are many treatments available for dry eye syndrome, which Dr. Rosenthal will discuss with you. Each patient has unique treatment needs, and our goal is to provide customized, patient-specific therapies for your condition.
Common Dry Eye Treatments include:
- Artificial tear drops or ointments.
- Temporary punctal occlusion, in which the drainage ducts of the eye are blocked to keep tears in the eye.
- BlephEx, a medical device that applies gentle heat and pressure on eyes to unclog blocked glands.
- Restasis, a prescription eyedrop that treats chronic dry eye.
- Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 and fish oil.
If you are suffering from Dry Eye Disease and would like to explore your treatment options, call us today to schedule your appointment with one of our eye doctors! Dry Eye Disease can range from mild to severe, and can even affect your long term eye health. It is important not to ignore the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. Take a step in the right direction and come see us at Fifth Avenue EyeCare & Rosenthal Eye Surgery!
