Dry Eye

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Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition. Often, dry eye is part of the natural aging process but can also be caused by eyelid problems, medications, dry climate, wind, and dust or general health problems like arthritis or hormonal changes.

Dry Eye Causes

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or create poor-quality tears that do not have the correct chemical composition. Often, dry eye is part of the natural aging process but can also be caused by computer use, medications, dry environment or general health problems like diabetes, arthritis or hormonal changes.

Dry Eye Symptoms

There is a multitude of dry eye symptoms, a lot of which most people do not correlate to dry eye. Dry eye can cause grittiness, redness, foreign body sensation, burning and watering. Frequently, dry eye can cause blurred vision. Extended computer use can exacerbate dryness and therefore increase fatigue and strain.

Historically, patients turned to over the counter lubricants as their treatment of choice for dry eye. While the right lubricant can be helpful, Grove Eye Care offers a wide variety of dry eye treatments including prescriptions medications, at home therapies and state-of-the-art in office procedures.

In-Office Dry Eye Treatment

LipiFlow

Lipiflow is a quick, in-office procedure that gently heats and massages the oil producing glands in the eyelids to clear blockages and allow for the production of a better-quality oil. Applicators are applied to the eyelids for 12 minutes and a painless, vibration occurs. This treatment not only helps to clear the glands, but has been shown to slow the atrophy of the oil producing glands.

Lumenis Optilight IPL®​​​​​​​

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has been studied and utilized for years in dermatology to treat chronic skin conditions. IPL is especially effective in individuals that suffer from rosacea. Optilight® IPL is a patented technology that applies a targeted spectrum of light onto the surface of the skin surrounding the eyes to reduce inflammation. The wavelength of light used during IPL also reduces surface bacteria, heats blocked oil glands on the lid margin and reduces abnormal vessels on the surface of the skin. Protective eyewear is provided to you during the procedure during which you will feel a very slight snapping sensation on the skin. Your physician will customize your IPL treatment to your specific skin type.