Dry Eyes Specialist

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, occur when you don’t produce sufficient tears or have poor quality tears. This disrupts eye lubrication, which can lead to both eye dryness and other irritating issues, such as:

• Burning
• Itching
• Light sensitivity
• Stringy mucus discharge
• Red eyes
• Eye discomfort

Dry eye syndrome can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in adults after age 50. 

What causes dry eyes?

Many factors can contribute to dry eyes, including:

• Windy, smoky, or very dry atmosphere
• Excessive screen time
• Wearing contact lenses for too long
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Medications like diuretics, antihistamines, and sleeping pills

Overall, the most common cause of dry eyes is a problem called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). With this condition, the tiny eyelid glands that create the oils in your tears grow inflamed and clogged. This reduces oil secretion and creates tear imbalance, leading to dry eyes. 

When should I seek treatment for dry eyes?

If your eyes are constantly dry and the problem grows intrusive, it’s time to seek medical help for dry eyes. Many people try to manage dry eyes at home using over-the-counter artificial tears. But artificial tears only lubricate your eyes temporarily, which means you need to use them constantly. 

At Wide Eye Optometry, Dr. Demirjian approaches dry eye treatment by solving the underlying problem. In most cases, this means resolving MGD. 

What types of treatments are available for dry eyes?

Tempsure® Envi

Tempsure Envi treatment uses radiofrequency energy, a gentle low-grade heat source that stimulates clogged tear glands. 

This stimulation opens the plugged glands and restores normal oil distribution in your tears, which ultimately alleviates dry eye symptoms. Tempsure Envi treatment can also help with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity around the eyes, so it can work as an all-around refresh for both aesthetics and eye function. 

Tempsure Envi is a painless treatment that only takes 30-60 minutes in the Wide Eye Optometry office. There’s no downtime at all so you can return to regular activities when you leave the office. 

Most people need a series of Tempsure Envi treatments for optimal results. Dr. Demirjian can discuss your personal needs and treatment goals with you in detail to create the best treatment plan for you. 

Other treatments

For dry eyes caused by other problems, Dr. Demirjian can customize a treatment plan based on the root cause of your dry eye syndrome. This may involve lifestyle changes, medicated eye drops, or strategies like punctal plugs to prevent too much tear loss. 

To learn more about treatments for dry eyes, call the nearest Wide Eye Optometry office or click on the booking tool to schedule an appointment.