Dry Eye Therapy

• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines)
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren’s Syndrome)
• Reduced production of liquid tears
• Disrupted lipid production affecting tear film smoothness

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Gritty feeling
• Dryness
• Itching
• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Excessive tearing, which is a compensatory response to the dryness

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist. They can diagnose the underlying cause and contributing factors, and create a treatment plan to enhance your eye comfort and health. Over-reliance on artificial tear eye drops without professional guidance can exacerbate the problem.

At True Vision Center, our comprehensive dry eye therapy in Honolulu begins with a detailed patient history and symptom review. We use a slit lamp microscope to magnify the eye up to 16 times for a thorough examination. Any additional necessary tests are conducted post-exam. Based on the diagnostic findings, the doctor collaborates with the patient to develop the most suitable treatment plan.

ASSOCIATED DISEASES

Patients often have associated diseases that cause tear film instability. This very often includes meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil glands of the eyelids become clogged. Oil backs up into the eyelids, which get inflamed and cause burning. Lack of oil in the tear film creates conditions where the tears dry out faster, especially in wind, dry heat, or air conditioning. This may cause an acute burning sensation.

Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction are treated with warm compresses to melt the thickened oil, doxycycline to change the composition of the oil, and Azasite drops, which are both anti-inflammatory and change the composition of the oils. There are also procedures that may melt and milk the oils out of the glands, which can be of at least temporary benefit.

In addition to locally associated diseases, patients may have systemic diseases associated with dry eyes. These include:

1. Sjogren’s Syndrome
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Systemic Lupus
4. Diabetes Mellitus

BENEFITS OF DRY EYE THERAPY

Dry eye therapy offers several benefits that go beyond mere symptom relief, significantly enhancing both eye health and overall quality of life. Such benefits include:

• Improved Comfort: An effective dry eye treatment in Hawaii can significantly reduce symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, and the gritty sensation in the eyes, leading to greater overall comfort.
• Enhanced Vision: Treating dry eye can improve visual clarity and reduce blurry vision, making everyday tasks like reading, driving, and using digital devices easier and more enjoyable.
• Increased Productivity: By alleviating dry eye symptoms, individuals can focus better and work more efficiently, particularly those who spend long hours on computers or other electronic devices.
• Reduced Risk of Eye Infections: Proper Dry Eye Syndrome treatment can help maintain a healthy tear film, which acts as a barrier against dust, debris, and microorganisms, reducing the risk of eye infections.
• Protection of Eye Health: Addressing dry eye can prevent further damage to the eye’s surface, such as corneal abrasions or ulcers, ensuring long-term eye health.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Alleviating dry eye symptoms can lead to better overall quality of life, as individuals experience less discomfort and are able to engage more fully in daily activities.
• Customized Care: Professional dry eye therapy involves a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s specific needs, ensuring the most effective and appropriate care.

IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR DRY EYE THERAPY IN HONOLULU

Ideal candidates for dry eye therapy include those with persistent symptoms like dryness, itching, burning, redness, gritty sensation, blurred vision, or excessive tearing. People who spend long hours on digital devices or wear contact lenses often benefit from therapy. Older adults and postmenopausal women are more susceptible due to decreased tear production and hormonal changes. Individuals with medical conditions such as Sjögren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, as well as those taking antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications, are also at risk.

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

There are many treatments for dry eye:

1. Artificial tears: The first line of treatment for most patients.
2. Restasis: A prescription drop that helps the eye produce more of its own tears by decreasing inflammation. Now available as a generic, cyclosporine 0.05% drop.
3. Xiidra: A prescription drop that interrupts the inflammation caused by dry eye disease.
4. Cequa: A more potent and more effective cyclosporine drop, often used instead of Restasis.
5. Tyrvaya: A new medication was sprayed inside each nostril to stimulate a nerve and produce more tears.
6. Eysuvis: Drops used to relieve short-term flare-ups of dry eye symptoms.
7. Punctal/canalicular plugs: These partially block the eye’s drainage system, allowing the eye to retain its tears, supplemental artificial tears, and medications longer.
8. Autologous Serum Eye Drops: Eye drops made from the patient’s own blood, sterilely blended with preservative-free artificial tears. These drops contain healing factors that nourish the eye differently from other drops.
9. Lipid modulating therapies: Such as azithromycin drops, doxycycline pills, or in-office procedures to remove the meibomian gland lipids from the clogged glands.
10. Artificial tear ointment: A very thick preparation of mineral oil and other lubricants may be indicated to protect the eyes from drying out while sleeping or if they do not close completely.
11. Surgical options: Punctal cautery, which seals the tear drainage holes more tightly than punctal plugs, and Amniotic membrane graft, which provides stem cells to improve tear production.

Any of these treatments may be used alone or in combination to achieve the best result for each unique patient. Adequate dry eye treatment is important not only for the patient’s comfort but also for the long-term health of the eyes. Untreated dry eye disease leaves the eyes prone to surface damage and severe infection. If treated appropriately, the risk of chronic pain, blinding infection, and scarring is greatly decreased.

COST OF DRY EYE THERAPY IN HONOLULU

The cost of dry eye therapy in Hawaii can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the condition. Over-the-counter treatments, such as artificial tears, are often the first line of defense and typically cost between $10 to $30 per month. Prescription medications can be more expensive, ranging from $30 to $500 per month, depending on the medication.

Specialized treatments can add to the expense, with punctal plugs—a one-time procedure to help retain tears—costing between $150 and $500, depending on whether temporary or permanent plugs are used. Autologous serum eye drops, which are custom-made from the patient’s blood, run about $150 per month, offering a personalized treatment option.

Surgical options, such as punctal cautery, which permanently seals tear drainage holes, range from $500 to $1,000.

Contact our office should you have any questions regarding insurance coverage.

RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE

Recovery and aftercare for dry eye therapy differ based on the treatment used but generally involve a combination of consistent application and regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist. For over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears, no significant recovery time is required, and they can be used as needed to alleviate symptoms.

On the other hand, some prescription medications may take several weeks to show improvements, and during this period, patients need to consistently use the product. Initial discomfort, like a burning sensation, typically diminishes over time.

Surgical options such as punctal cautery may require a longer recovery period, with temporary redness and discomfort.

General aftercare includes maintaining eyelid hygiene, using humidifiers, avoiding smoke, taking regular breaks from screens, and staying hydrated. These steps, combined with regular follow-up appointments, help monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring the best outcomes for managing dry eye symptoms.

CONSULT WITH DR. TANTISIRA TODAY

It is crucial to diagnose and treat all of these associated conditions as early as possible to prevent permanent damage to many organ systems. Dr. Tantisira will ask screening questions about these systemic diseases to determine if you are at risk for them. She also diagnoses and treats all types of eye problems.

Dr. Tantisira has years of experience treating dry eye disease. If you suffer from any of these symptoms or have any of the diseases listed above, contact Dr.Tantisira at (808)591-9111 for a consultation to see how she can help you care for your dry, irritated eyes.