Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eyes affect millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 4.88 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from this uncomfortable condition.

If you need help, book an appointment at Carthage Eye Clinic. We’ll help you find a treatment option that brings you the relief you’re searching for.

Everyone experiences dry eye differently because there are so many potential underlying causes.

Typical symptoms include:

• Redness or eyes that appear irritated and bloodshot
• Consistent burning or tingling sensations in the eyes
• Eyes that feel itchy or as if they have something in them
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights or sunlight
• Excessive tearing, or eyes that always appear watery

There are many potential causes of dry eye.

In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as environmental irritants or short-term inflammation.

Some of the other causes of chronic dry eye problems include:

• Disease of the meibomian glands
• Blepharitis
• Allergies
• Defects that affect the eyelid or shape of the eye
• Certain medications
• Abnormal eye pressure
• Deficiency of aqueous fluids

Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye.

Through imaging of the meibomian glands, measuring osmolarity of the tear film, and screening for certain conditions, we are able to diagnose and provide treatment for the condition.

Some of the typical treatments include:

• Prescription eye drops to combat inflammation
• Treating oil glands
• Blinking exercises or proper eyelid hygiene

If an infection is causing the issue, low-dose antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Another treatment for dry eye is Punctal plugs, or Lacrifil gel.

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices placed in the tear drainage openings (puncta) to help keep moisture on the eye’s surface. They’re one of the most effective treatments for aqueousdeficient dry eye, especially when artificial tears and prescription drops aren’t enough.

Lacrifill treats dry eyes by filling and gently blocking the canaliculus with a longlasting, crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel, creating a soft, adaptable occlusion that keeps tears on the ocular surface. It works like a nextgeneration alternative to punctal plugs—same goal (tear conservation), but with a different mechanism.

What punctal plugs and Lacrifill gel do:

They block the outflow of tears, slowing or stopping drainage into the nasolacrimal duct. This keeps natural tears, artificial tears, and medications on the eye longer, improving comfort and reducing dryness.

Dry eye often occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. By conserving tears, punctal plugs or Lacrifill gel help relieve:

• Burning, stinging, or itching
• Redness
• Fluctuating vision
• Contact lens intolerance
• Dryness from autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s)

Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable — they can also be bad for the health of your eyes. Book an appointment at Carthage Eye Clinic to find relief.