Dry Eyes & Ocular Surface Dysfunction

Tear Film Components:

Tears are a lot more than just water.  Simply stated, they are made up of three layers:

• the inner layer that helps keep the tear film on your eye

• the watery middle layer that makes up the bulk of your tear film

• the oily outer layer that prevents the tear film from drying up

​

Your tears are complex and quite incredible.  A healthy tear film provides your eyes with comfort, healing properties and maintains the clarity of your vision.  When any component of your tear film is deficient, it may lead to all sorts of complications.

​

Symptoms of Dry Eyes may affect one or both eyes

• Blurry vision

• Excessive tear production

• Watery / Teary eyes

• Mucous strands

• Redness / Irritation

• Itchy / Scratchy eyes

• Feeling like something is in your eyes

• Stinging / Burning

• Gritty feeling in the eyes

• Discomfort wearing contact lenses

• Sensitivity to light

• Trouble driving at night

• Trouble reading or looking at a screen for a long time

• Tired eyes or heavy eyelids

• Trouble producing tears when you feel like crying

• Eye fatigue

• Difficulty keeping eyes open​

​

Some people assume their dry eye symptoms

are just something they have to live with. 

Others may assume their current treatment

is the only available option.  

​

Evaluating Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Dysfunction:

We understand that the quality of your tears is just as important as the volume of tears being produced.   At Visual Edge our comprehensive dry eye & ocular surface evaluation examines all aspects of your tear film and ocular surfaces, including:

•  Tears quantity measurement

• Tears quality assessment

• Tear film stability evaluation

• InflammaDry® inflammatory marker testing

• Meibomian Gland inspection and imaging

• Detailed Examination of the health of the Ocular Surface

• Fluorescein & Lissamine Green Vital Dye Assessments

​

After diagnosing and discussing your dry eye & ocular surface findings, we will explain your various options.  You are included in deciding on the best treatment plan.       

​

Treating Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Dysfunction:

Some treatments for dry eyes and ocular surface disorders are chosen to decrease your symptoms and make you more comfortable.  Our goal at Visual Edge is to evaluate and treat all contributing factors to help prevent any future problems. If you only need a one-time, short-term treatment, or require ongoing care, Your customized treatments will be appropriate for your underlying causes with modifications made depending on how your eyes respond.

​

            At Home Care:  After determining the contributing factors and severity of your Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Dysfunction a self-care regimen will be developed.  It may include eyedrops, ointments, eyelid spray, nasal spray, supplements, environmental modifications or other home-based care.

            In-Office Care:  At Visual Edge we personalize your care while utilizing current techniques with non-invasive procedures. 

OptiLight by Lumenis® uses patented OPT technology to safely and effectively address one of the main causes of dry eye: inflammation.

​

Our goal is to improve the quality and quantity of your tear layers.

​