Are your eyes feeling watery, itchy, or as if there's something in them? You might be experiencing dry eye disease. With the rise in digital screen use, over 40 million people are affected by this condition. Dry eye disease can be caused by a variety of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

At Princeton Optometry, our doctors are dedicated to conducting a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to identify the root causes of your symptoms. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific needs and provide effective relief.

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the surface of your eyes adequately lubricated. This can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and potential damage to the eye's surface. With a thorough assessment, we can create a tailored treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are often the first line of defense. They help replace lost moisture and provide temporary relief from dryness.

• Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help loosen any clogged oil glands in the eyelids, improving the quality of tears and reducing symptoms.

• Eyelid Scrubs: These help to clean the eyelid margins and remove debris or excess oil that might be contributing to dry eye symptoms.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplements, like fish oil or flaxseed oil, may help improve the quality of tears by reducing inflammation.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like increasing humidity in your environment, taking regular breaks from screens, and staying hydrated can help manage dry eye symptoms.

In more severe cases of dry eye syndrome, where conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief, moderate to advanced options may be considered. These procedures aim to address underlying issues and improve tear production or quality. 

Prescription Medications:

1. Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Prescription eye drops like Restasis (cyclosporine A) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) help reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye and can increase tear production.

2. Steroids: For more severe inflammation, short-term use of corticosteroid eye drops might be prescribed.

1. Lipiflow: This is a non-invasive thermal pulsation treatment designed to address meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eyes. The procedure involves applying heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids to help clear blockages and stimulate the oil glands. This improves the quality of the lipid layer of the tear film, reducing evaporation and enhancing overall moisture retention.

2. Punctal Plugs: Although not a surgical procedure per se, punctal plugs can be a part of a broader surgical approach to dry eye management. These small devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage, which helps to keep tears on the surface of the eye for a longer period. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s needs and response to treatment.

3. Scleral Lenses: In certain cases, specially designed scleral lenses can provide significant relief. These lenses cover the entire cornea and create a moisture reservoir between the lens and the eye. This barrier helps protect the cornea and can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.

4. Amniotic Membrane: For severe dry eye conditions, particularly those involving significant damage to the corneal surface, an amniotic membrane transplant may be considered. This involves placing a thin layer of amniotic membrane over the affected eye to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Book a Dry Eye Assessment Today! You may be eligible for coverage through your medical insurance. Schedule your appointment to explore tailored treatment options and take the first step towards relief from dry eye symptoms.