Dry Eye Disease

Dry Eye Symptoms and Treatments

Do your eyes burn or water? Are you experiencing an increased sensitivity to light? Do your eyes feel sandy or gritty? Do your eyelids feel heavier than usual?

Dry eye disease – when the tear ducts fail to provide sufficient moisture for the eyes – In addition to aging, dry eyes can occur due to many different medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders. It can also be a side effect of many medications like antihistamines, birth control pills, beta blockers, diuretics, and many more.

Because the causes of dry eyes can vary greatly, there are many different ways to treat the condition. Dr. Neena James and Dr. William Pittenger of 20/20 Eye Care in Huntsville, Alabama, have a great deal of experience diagnosing and treating dry eyes.

Diagnosis is made with specular microscopy, a quick and painless noninvasive technique in which a reflected-light microscope takes magnified images of the inner surface of the cornea. It is an excellent way to identify early warning signs of many different eye problems, including dry eyes.

Some of the more innovative treatment options for dry eyes offered at 20/20 Eye Care include:

• Punctal plugs, these tiny silicone devices are inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage, increasing the surface moisture of the eye. The plugs are placed during an in-office procedure using a local anesthetic. They offer a long-term solution for dry eye disease.
• Serum tears are special eye drops created from a patient's own blood. The clear "serum" is separated from a patient's blood sample and diluted into a three-month supply of drops. Serum tears are effective, well-tolerated, and contain substances that just can't be found in synthetic eye drops.
• TrueTear is an FDA-approved neurostimulation device to increase tear production. It is inserted by the patient into the nostrils where it safely stimulates nerves to produce real natural tears. It is the first-of-its-kind type of treatment and requires a prescription.

Don’t put up with dry eyes a moment longer. See the experts at 20/20 Eye Care for a proper diagnosis and the individualized treatment you need. Call (256) 536-5589 or use the online form to make an appointment.