Dry Eye Therapy in Long Island
Dry Eye Therapy in Long Island
Innovative, Personalized Care for Dry Eyes
Do your eyes feel scratchy or gritty? Do you experience discomfort, impaired vision, or have problems focusing? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from dry eye symptoms. But relief is possible.
At C.H. Optometric Associates, we’re dedicated to helping you manage and alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes. Our innovative methods and technologies can support longer-lasting improvements, so you can leave our office feeling refreshed and renewed.
Don’t live with dry eyes a moment longer. Book an appointment with us today.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eyes occur when the eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to insufficient lubrication. This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and inflammation. Tears are essential for keeping the eye's surface smooth and healthy, so when tear production or quality is compromised, it results in symptoms like:
A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
Redness or irritation
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision that may improve with blinking
Excessive tearing (the body's response to dryness)
Causes of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can result from several factors:
Aging: Tear production naturally declines with age, especially after 50.
Environmental Factors: Wind, smoke, dry climates, and prolonged screen use can contribute to tear evaporation.
Medications: Some antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications reduce tear production.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome can decrease tear production.
Hormonal Changes: Especially common in women during pregnancy, menopause, or due to oral contraceptives.
Our Dry Eye Treatments
Intensive Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a noninvasive treatment that targets a common root cause of dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction.
Pulses of light stimulate the meibomian glands to produce natural oils (meibum). These oils help surface moisture last longer and spread evenly, improving tear quality and reducing inflammation. While complete results can require multiple sessions, many patients experience rapid relief.
Learn more about IPL therapy
Meibomian Gland Expression
The meibomian glands (located inside the eyelids) produce the oil layer of your tears, which is crucial in preventing moisture evaporation. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, it’s common to experience dry eyes.
Meibomian gland expression helps unblock the glands and stimulates oil flow. It’s a safe, minimally invasive procedure that involves gently massaging the oil glands in the eyelids. This simple treatment can improve moisture retention and significantly reduce inflammation
Prescription Eye Drops
Patients with dry eye often turn to artificial tears and over-the-counter lubricants that provide temporary relief for symptoms. However, these non-prescription solutions don’t address the root cause.
Enter medicated eye drops like Restasis. These eye drops stimulate natural tear production and treat inflammation–a common cause of evaporative dry eye (tears of poor quality). Administered twice a day, at least 12 hours apart, Restasis can significantly improve dry eye symptoms.
Demodex Treatments & Eyelid Sprays
The eye needs natural oils produced by the meibomian glands inside the eyelids to maintain a healthy tear film. Debris, such as dead skin cells, and inflammation caused by demodex mites can block these glands. However, using eyelid sprays and deep cleansers can help to restore dry eyes by opening up the glands.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) is a popular disinfectant in healthcare because it’s gentle yet potent. HOCI’s oxidizing properties can remove microorganisms, including demodex mites, while still preserving the skin’s bacterial diversity to promote overall health.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny medical devices (about the size of rice grain) inserted into the tear ducts (puncta). The plugs are designed to improve surface moisture by preventing tear drainage.
The procedure is minimally invasive and can provide longer-lasting relief. The plugs can be temporary (made of collagen, which is naturally absorbed over time) or semi-permanent (made of medical-grade silicone).
By preventing tear drainage, moisture lasts longer and can lessen the reliance on eye drops.
Nutrition & Supplements
Maintaining a balanced diet benefits every aspect of our well-being, including our eye health. Proper nutrition is vital for supporting healthy, clear vision, while specific nutrients can help alleviate symptoms of dry eyes.
Omega-3 fatty acids stand out as a particularly effective nutrient for improving tear quality and reducing inflammation. By incorporating omega-3 through fish oil supplements or dietary changes such as consuming more fish or flaxseed, you’re taking a proactive step towards better eye health.