Dry eye is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Usually, your eyes make a steady stream of moist tears that coat your eyes as you blink. Tears consist of the lipid (oil) layer, the aqueous (water) layer, and the mucin layer. The lipid layer prevents tear evaporation, while the aqueous layer provides moisture and nourishment to the eye. If a person can't produce enough tears to maintain healthy, comfortable eyes, they have dry eyes.
Request an Appointment
Click the button to get started!
Buy Dry Eye Products Online Here
Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal gland, which produces the watery portion of the tears, does not provide enough aqueous to keep the eye comfortable and moist
Evaporative dry eye occurs when the lipid layer of the tears is deficient. It is estimated that 86% of all dry eye patients have evaporative dry eye caused by blockages in the meibomian glands in the upper and lower eyelids. There are approximately 75 of these glands in the lids of each eye. They create an oil layer that prevents the tears from evaporating too quickly. Tears can evaporate from 4 to 16 times faster with a deficient lipid layer. The lipid produced by a normal functioning meibomian gland has the consistency of olive oil and flows freely. With meibomian gland dysfunction, this oil can have the consistency of toothpaste and get trapped in the glands. With chronic disease, the structure of the glands is affected either by shortening in length or by completely shutting down. When this occurs, it may be irreversible and can cause a worsening of symptoms.
Some causes of dry eye include side effects from medications for allergies, anxiety, beta-blockers and blood pressure, diseases like thyroid disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle causes include dry climates, smoky environments, long-term contact lens use, looking at computers, smartphones, tablets, and engaging in activities that reduce blinking.
Symptoms include regular irritation, itching, burning, stinging, excessive tearing, redness, and tiredness. Sometimes blurry vision and even sensitivity to light will also occur.
Request an appointmentOphthalmologists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine which type of dry eye you have. Tests include measuring the quality and thickness of your tears along with the quantity and how quickly you produce them.
Please Note: In preparation for a dry eye evaluation, please avoid using eye drops, oil-based facial makeup, or sunscreens on the day of your exam. Do not use ointments in the eyes or swim at least 24 hours before your dry eye appointment. These types of products and activities can affect the findings of the tests and render them useless.
There are several treatments. Artificial tears (non-prescription eye drops) and other newer prescription eye drops are used to replace your tears' moisture and oil concentrate. Silicone (punctual) plugs are inserted in the tear ducts to stop the tears from draining as fast, thus keeping more tears on the eye for a more extended period. Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% eyedrops, typically known as Restasis (a prescription eye drop), can increase tear production.
Click the button to get started!
Buy Dry Eye Products Online Here
Geneva Eye Clinic is pleased to carry numerous high-quality dry eye products. Please visit our optical shop to purchase any of these products.
Retaine MGD has the highest oil concentration available in an artificial tear with the added benefit of no preservatives. They provide long-lasting relief for moderate to severe evaporative dry eyes. They are available in a box of 30 individual preservative-free vials.
Tears Again is a mineral oil-based lubricating ointment for night-time use only since it may blur your vision. It is available in a 3.5 g tube.
OCuSOFT Plus Foam is an extra-strength eyelid cleanser utilizing a low-level preservative and moisturizer blend, offering a wide range of antibacterial properties. It is ideal for moderate to severe eyelid conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction. The leave-on formula is available in a 1.68 fl. oz (50mL) bottle.
OCuSOFT Plus Foam is an extra-strength eyelid cleanser utilizing a low-level preservative and moisturizer blend, offering a wide range of antibacterial properties. It is ideal for moderate to severe eyelid conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction. The leave-on formula is available in a 1.68 fl. oz (50mL) bottle.
OCuSOFT dry eye mask premium provides soothing moist-heat relief for mildly dry eyes. Heat for 20 seconds. Includes a soft, removable instant heat pocket for easy washing after every use.
Refresh Celluvisc is a preservative-free, gel eye drop that delivers moisturizing relief for moderate symptoms of eye dryness day or night. Available in a box of 30 individual preservative-free vials.
Refresh Optive gel drops are designed to apply like an eye drop yet work as a lubricant eye gel to offer soothing comfort and extended therapy for eye dryness day or night. Available in a 0.33 fl. oz. (10mL) sterile bottle.
Refresh P.M. is a preservative-free ointment that relieves intense, intense burning, irritation, and discomfort due to eye dryness while you sleep. Available in a 0.12 fl. oz. (3.5 g) sterile bottle.
Refresh Relieva drops are specially made for use with soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to help with moderate eye dryness, irritation, and discomfort symptoms. Available in a 0.27 fl. oz. (8 mL) sterile bottle.
Phone
