Dry eye is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory eye condition that can result in significant ocular symptoms that range from mild to severe. This condition may result from a disturbance in any of the following: lacrimal gland, cornea, conjunctiva, meibomian glands, and/or the sensory/motor nerves to the cornea. Some of these symptoms may include (but not limited to):

• Blurred Vision

• Foreign body sensation

• Burning

• “Film” covering your vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Tearing or watery eyes

• Redness of the eyelids and/or conjunctiva

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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a disruption in the oil secretions from these specific eyelid glands, leading to inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis) and cornea (dry eye). The oil component of the tear film is very important to prevent evaporation of your tears. Therefore, MGD can lead to fast evaporation of your tear film, resulting in symptoms of dry eye.

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There are several reasons why you might develop dry eye:

• Increased age

• Systemic inflammatory conditions - Sjogren’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid disease, and others

• Systemic medications - antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and more

• Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis, MGD)

• Environmental - smoking, wind/fans, low humidity, screen time, etc..

• Hormonal changes - pregnancy, menopause, etc…

• Malpositioned eyelids or incomplete closure

• Damage to corneal sensory nerves - diabetes, herpetic eye infections, LASIK, contact lens wear, abusing topical numbing drops, and more

The doctor will closely examine your eyes at the slit lamp. You may also have other tests done to check your tear production, tear evaporation, and/or inflammation.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dry eye syndrome. However, there are several available treatments to help alleviate your symptoms:

• Over-the-counter lubrication drops (preferably preservative-free), gel, and/or nighttime ointment

• Treat and optimize the eyelids with warm compresses (5 minutes a day), eyelid scrubs, and/or eyelid massage. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical and/or oral antibiotic.

• Prescription dry eye drops - Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa

• Block the tear drain to increase the amount of natural tears on your eye (punctal plugs). These semi-permanent plugs are made of silicone, and can be removed at anytime if necessary.

• Amniotic membrane (Prokera) and/or serum tears in severe cases.