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Dry Eye Solutions
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are necessary to help lubricate, protect and nourish our eyes. Without a steady flow of tears, eye irritation will result.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Without proper treatment, inadequate tears can make daily activities like reading, watching TV, driving or working on the computer frustrating. Dry eye can affect your personal and professional life.
Types of Dry Eye
Dry eye is often under-diagnosed, especially in the early stages. To provide a quicker diagnosis, our doctors use InflammaDry® technology to detect elevated levels of an inflammatory marker (MMP-9). This quick in-office test allows for prompt treatment and may help reduce complications of dry eye.
TearLab Osmolarity System
This evaluation is done to measure the saltiness of your tears (osmolarity). If your tears haveexcess salt content, this could be damaging the surface cells of your eyes. Only a tiny sample of tear fluid is needed to diagnose your tear fluid. This is a very quick and painless process that is done right in our office. Your tears will be graded on an osmolarity scale: normal, mild, moderate or severe.
Treatment for Dry Eye
For some patients,
Treatment for Blepharitis: BlephEx™
Blepharitis is a chronic, inflammatory eyelid condition that is the result of a bacterial infection, often causing the small oil glands near the eyelashes to become clogged. This condition is not contagious, but people who have blepharitis often have very uncomfortable, visible symptoms due to the overgrowth of bacteria along the eyelashes.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
- Watery, red, itchy eyes
- Burning, gritty sensation
- Swollen eyelids
- Eyelash crustiness in the morning
- Greasy-looking eyelids
- Eyelashes falling out or growing abnormally
These symptoms can be minimized by using medications and cleaning the eyelids. However, it is not easy to keep the eyelids and lashes clean – especially if debris has become trapped.
Solution: BlephEx™
We are proud to offer patients BlephEx treatments to precisely and safely clean and exfoliate the eyelids and lashes while also reducing the risk for damage to the tear glands. This is the first and only clinician treatment for blepharitis.
How BlephEx Works
This is a painless, 8-minute procedure that is performed right in our office. The BlephEx tool is comprised of a spinning micro-sponge that is moved along the edge of your eyelashes and eyelids to remove debris and exfoliate the areas. A different sterile micro-sponge is use for each eye to reduce the spread of bacteria. Many patients experience immediate relief. For maximum results, the procedure should be repeated every 4-6 months.
Cleaning at Home
After your BlephEx procedure, we will give you instructions on how to keep your eyelids clean at home. Nightly hygiene will be integral in maintaining your results
Allergies & Eye Health
If you have seasonal or ongoing allergies in Illinois, you are probably no stranger to itchy, watery, red, irritated eyes. Allergies are the result of your immune system reacting to an “invader” by producing chemicals such as histamine to fight off the allergen. The body’s response can cause inflammation and the very annoying symptoms of ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Eye Allergies
- Burning sensation
- Swollen eyelids
- Constant eye watering
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Itching
Potential Risks of Eye Allergies
While allergies don’t typically cause any long-term damage to the eyes, there are some situations that could potentially cause serious problems:
- If you wear contact lenses, allergen particles can get under your contacts, leading to a scratched cornea.
- Rubbing your irritated eyes may cause microabrasions (tiny tears) in the outer layer of your eye due to the fine allergen particles landing on your cornea.
- Allergies can worsen existing dry eye, leading to pain and irritation.
Common Eye Allergy Triggers
- Pollen (grass, tree, weed)
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
Eye discomfort can also be caused by environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, perfume, air pollution, etc.
Treating Ocular Allergy Symptoms
If you are experiencing eye irritations due to allergies, contact us to schedule an eye exam. Our doctors can assess your eye health, ask you to describe your symptoms and make recommendations for relief. Prescription medications may be necessary or over-the-counter options may suffice. There may even be some underlying eye health issues that are causing the irritations.
Ways to Prevent Eye Allergies
- Stay indoors during allergy season
- Wash your hands after touching animals
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors
- Purchase bedding that resists dust mites
- Keep your home clean
- Install a HEPA filter for your air conditioner
- Mitigate mold in your home
If you are experiencing the symptoms of dry eye or other eye irritations, please contact us at (847) 459-6060 (Buffalo Grove office) or (847) 382-4116 (Barrington office) to schedule an eye exam.