Dry Eye Treatment in Queens, NY

Dry eye is a condition where there is a decrease amount of tears to lubricate the corneal surface. The main symptoms are foreign body sensation, eye irritation, burning sensation and eye redness. There are two main types of dry eye. The first one is due to decrease production of tears by the lacrimal gland. The second is due to increased evaporation of tears because of insufficient amount of lubricating oils produced by the oil glands of the eyelids (Meibomian gland disease). Causes of dry eye are aging, contact lens wearing, use of medications (such as diuretics, antidepressants and antihistamines), corneal refractive surgery and systemic conditions (Sjogren’s syndrome, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Rosacea).

There are multiple treatment options in dry eye. Artificial tears and gels, punctal occlusion with punctal plugs, Restasis eye drops, fish oil supplements (omega 3), doxycycline pills, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Lipiflow are treatments that help increase the amount and decrease the evaporation of tears.