When you hear the term “ocular surface disease”, often referred to as “dry eye syndrome”, most assume this has to do with eyes simply being dry. However, that is not always the case, and can even include symptoms such as over tearing. Most adults will experience irritated, red, or dry eyes at some point in their life. However, some individuals experience chronic, lasting ocular surface disease that causes discomfort for long periods of time.

There are typically multiple underlying causes for the condition, which can be diagnosed and managed by a vision professional. At ART Vision in Sioux Falls, SD, we do just that. We are equipped to diagnose and treat dry eye to provide our area patients with effective options for lasting relief from dry eye.

Dry eye syndrome can cause the eyes to feel heavy and sore or lead to the overproduction of tears. Patients also report feeling as if something is in their eye (foreign body) or have difficulty inserting and wearing their contacts.

Many patients suffering from dry eye syndrome report vision fluctuation when driving at night. Though these symptoms may not seem severe individually, an accumulation of these symptoms can decrease your overall quality of life and impact your lifestyle. The most common symptoms associated with dry eye are:

• Burning

• Blurred and fluctuating vision

• Redness

• Grittiness

• Itching

• Light sensitivity

• Overtearing

• Headaches

This condition develops from multiple reasons when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, the tear quality is poor, or the tear film evaporates too quickly. Quality tears and moisture are essential to the health of our eyes so a lack of tears, or lack of a good quality tear film, can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and even blurred vision.

Some of the things that can cause and increase symptoms of dye eye syndrome include the natural aging process, environmental factors like wind or dry air, electronics and computer use, menopause, and smoking. Medical-related dry eye causes can be linked to things, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, Vitamin A deficiency, and certain medications.

The skilled ART Vision team will work to determine the cause of your condition in order to provide you with options for lasting relief from your symptoms.

Using state-of-the-art technologies and advanced techniques, the ART Vision team will diagnose your condition before creating a customized treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Mild cases of dry eye syndrome are often treated with artificial tear drops and other over-the-counter treatment aides. These drops increase or supplement the production of natural tears to provide you with fast relief. Dr. Tendler may also recommend ThermiEyes® and Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) for mild cases of dry eye.

When cases are more severe, plugging the tear ducts can be performed so that your natural tears stay on the eye for longer periods of time. Patients with significant symptoms may be prescribed eye drops or ointments, or have procedures recommended to alleviate symptoms like pain, redness, and inflammation.

ThermiEyes® is an innovative, radiofrequency energy technology that relieves the effects of dry eye by improving gland function and heating and liquefying the oily substance that is often responsible for preventing proper evaporation of the eye's tear film.

As an added benefit, the radiofrequency energy used during the procedure often firms and tightens the skin around the eyes for a rested and rejuvenated appearance. The ThermiEyes procedure is noninvasive, comfortable, fast, and can be customized to the unique needs of the patient. This procedure is performed by our Physician Assistants and Ophthalmic Technicians.

Using the same technology that is famous for skin rejuvenation, BBL can restore the natural function of the glands and increase oil production to reduce the symptoms of dry eye. During this in-office procedure, a cooling gel will be placed on the eyelids and the light energy will be directed over the skin. The energy will target abnormal vessels and reduce inflammation. Next, the eyelids will be gently massaged to promote the production of oil into the tear film. The procedure is quick and effective. This procedure is performed by our Physician Assistants at ARTisan Skin and Laser Center.

If you are ready to find a lasting solution for the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye, we invite you to schedule an eye exam at ART Vision in Sioux Falls, SD.

Our talented team of vision professionals are experienced to diagnose and treat dry eye, in addition to a number of common eye infections and conditions, to help you achieve clearer vision and overall excellent visual health.

Dry eye is not merely a nuisance – it is a common condition that can impact the health of your ocular surface, and ultimately, your ability to live your best. At ART Vision, let us help provide you relief so you can See the World Better and See Yourself Better.

Call us at 605.306.2020 / Schedule an appointment