At Southern Eye Group, we are proud to be at the forefront of treatment for dry eye. Dry eye is an uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people. For some, at-home remedies for dry eye provide adequate relief. When this is not the case, residents in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and throughout the Gulf Coast turn to the dry eye therapy experts at Southern Eye Group.
Dry eye is a common condition, affecting more than 16 million adults in the United States. Dry eye syndrome can cause dryness, eyes that water excessively, a feeling of grittiness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. The most common cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects up to 85% of dry eye patients. Usually, meibomian gland dysfunction is a result of blockages of the meibomian glands, which produce oil that lubricates the eyes.
For patients with occasional dry eye, home remedies can be very effective. If you are suffering from symptoms of dry eye disease, try some of these at-home dry eye solutions:
For many patients with dry eye, home remedies may not provide effective or lasting relief dry eye relief. At Southern Eye Group, we offer a range of medical treatments for dry eye.
Prescription eye drops such as Restasis® and Xiidra® can provide prompt and lasting relief from dry eye. These eye drops help to lubricate the eyes and also improve tear function.
Punctal plugs, also referred to as lacrimal plugs, are placed in the tear drops to block drainage. By blocking the tear ducts (punctum), your ophthalmologist can help your eyes stay moist by saving your tears and making artificial tears more effective. Punctal plugs are totally biocompatible and made from collagen or silicone, and can be removed when your condition improves.
The punctal plug procedure begins with your doctor measuring the shape and size of your tear ducts. A local anesthetic may be used but is often not needed. Plugs are inserted into the punctum (tear duct) of both eyes in a quick and painless procedure performed in our office.
iLux is a relatively new procedure that can help treat meibomian gland dysfunction to restore a healthy tear film. iLux is a simple, in-office procedure that many patients say is comfortable or even relaxing. During iLux treatment, a light-based heat is applied to the eyelid to melt away oils that become trapped and block the meibomian glands. Once the area is softened by gentle heat, your ophthalmologist will gently massage the eyelids to move away blockages and express oil from the meibomian glands.
iLux treatment for dry eye is a fast in-office procedure that brings relief in as little as one treatment session. After iLux treatment, patients see a gradual improvement in dry eye symptoms over the next two to four weeks. Results often last for up to eight months.
We provide our patients with branded dry eye kits to help them achieve relief from dry eye symptoms. Each kit includes 30 vials of single-use eye drops, 30 eyelid cleaning cloths, and a 1-month supply of supplements designed to help the eyes produce better quality tears.
Learn More About Dry Eye Kits
Some dry eye treatments are covered by medical insurance, but not all. Prescription eye drops may be covered by your plan, but iLux treatment is currently not eligible for insurance coverage. We offer a number of convenient payment options to help our patients afford premium eye care.
Not at all. In fact, most patients comment that their iLux treatment is a relaxing experience.
Yes. You can still use at-home remedies like over-the-counter eye drops and warm compresses after treatment with iLux, though you may not need to. If you use prescription eye drops, ask your ophthalmologist if you can still use them after iLux treatment.
With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and throughout the Gulf Coast, the dry eye experts at Southern Eye Group provide patients with dry eye therapy that works. If you suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye, contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist.
1 Farrand KF, Fridman M, Stillman IÖ, Schaumberg DA. Prevalence of Diagnosed Dry Eye Disease in the United States Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Older. Am J Ophthalmol. 2017;182:90‐98. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2017.06.033. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28705660/. Accessed May 31, 2022.
2 Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD. Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. I. 2012 May;31(5):472-8. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318225415a. PMID: 22378109. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22378109/. Accessed May 31, 2022..