In recent years, research has revealed that dry eye disease is more complex to treat than originally thought. Treatment has advanced dramatically in just a few short years, and there are more options available than ever before. At Dry Eye Institutes of America™ we are among those leading the way in dry eye treatment today.
Dry eye disease has been around for decades. But the wide range of treatment options we have today is a relatively recent phenomenon.
You may recall TV commercials promoting over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes more than 20 years ago. At the time this was the most common treatment because dry eye syndrome, a more common term back then, was considered little more than an irritation. As dry eye cases continued to rise, the medical community realized more research was needed. This was in the early ‘90s. The most definitive research by the International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) wasn’t published until 2007.
From what we now know, there is no one-and-done “cure” for dry eyes. It’s about managing your day-to-day symptoms with the most appropriate treatment. What we also know is that finding the most effective ongoing treatment may happen over time. As mentioned previously, the complexities of this condition have only recently been understood.
This is why Dry Eye Institutes of America™ has carefully developed a series of treatment protocols. We design a treatment plan around these protocols that’s easy to follow with your Dry Eye Institutes of America™ doctor as your partner and support. The plan involves planned follow up visits to ensure your treatment is working or if adjustments need to be made.
Naturally, treatment depends on the severity of your condition. There are several options we consider, and we only prescribe what is most appropriate. This include:
- Artificial Tear Drops, Ointments and Gels: Of these, Artificial Tears is the most commonly prescribed and there are many types we offer. Ointments, gels,and viscous (thick) artificial tears are for night use because they adhere to your eyes better.
- Medications, Supplements and Remedies: These range from oral or ophthalmic medications, to supplements or nutraceuticals (like omega-3), or warm compresses.
- LipiFlow: This medical device applies gentle pressure and controlled warmth to unclog meibomian glands which causes tear evaporation.
- Punctal Plugs: No bigger than a grain of rice, these are inserted into your tear ducts to block extra drainage, typically when eye drops aren’t enough.
If you suspect you have dry eyes, contact Dry Eye Institutes of America™ at 817-488-3490. Our main office is conveniently located in Grapevine, with affiliated Dallas/Fort Worth specialists near you.