How is Dry Eye Treated?

Treatment for dry eye disease is based on the type of dry eye disease and the severity of the disease.

There are two types of dry eye:

  1. MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) – Lack of oily tears due to dysfunction of the oil producing meibomian glands located in the eyelids
  2. Lacrimal Insufficiency – lack of watery tears due to dysfunction of the watery producing lacrimal gland located behind the upper eyelids

The first step in determining the type and severity of dry eye is to do a thorough dry eye evaluation.

Dry Eye Evaluation

Our doctors use the following tests to evaluate for dry eye disease:

  • Comprehensive eye examination including history of dry eye symptoms and how dry eye affects your vision
  • Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) dry eye questionnaire to determine the type and severity of your dry eye
  • Biomicroscopic examination of your eyelids and ocular surface and evaluation of the eyelids meibomian glands (oily tear glands)
  • LipiView interferometer to evaluate tear film quality and meibomian gland function

                         

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Dry Eye Treatment

Treatment for MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction):

  • LipiFlow – the only FDA approved treatment for MGD
  • Prescription medications
  • Blink Training to restore normal complete closure of the eyelids
  • Eyelid hygiene
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acid pills (fish oil)
  • Wetting eye drops

dry eye treatment

dry eye

Treatment for Lacrimal Insufficiency:

  • Restasis prescription eyedrops
  • Punctal Occlusion – closing the ducts that drain tears out of the eye by inserting a dissolvable or permanent plug into the lower eyelid drainage duct
  • Wetting eye drops

                        

Questions? Give us a call, stop by our Westbrook office, or request an appointment online to learn more about dry eye treatment!