Dry Eyes: Ocular Surface Disease in Columbia MO

One of the most common complaints eye doctors hear is related to dry eye discomfort in Columbia MO. This condition which is called Ocular Surface Disease, often caused by insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears, can lead to symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Environmental factors like wind, smoke, and prolonged screen time can exacerbate these symptoms, making daily activities uncomfortable.

Chronic dry eye can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to difficulty in reading, using digital devices, or even driving. If you experience persistent dry eye symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at Restoration Eye Care can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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Office Treatments for Dry Eye Available at Restoration Eye Care

• Autologous Serum Eye Drops™: “Personalized Eye Drops” produced from your own body’s healing blood serum (the healthy clear protein in your bloodstream).
• Blephex™: A handpiece is used to very precisely remove scurf and bacterial debris, the main causes of inflammatory lid disease, and improves the overall health of the eyelid.
• iLux™: In-office thermal procedure to treat and possibly cure Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
• iLux Plus™: In-office procedure to treat and possibly cure Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye. This package includes: The iLux Thermal and Meibomian Gland expression, Blephex™ and Autologous Serum Eye Drops™.

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What is Dry Eye Syndrome in Columbia MO

Other names: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Ocular Surface Dysfunction, ™ o+ Blepharitis, Rosacea, Dysfunctional Tearing Syndrome Symptoms

Blurry vision, decreased vision, fluctuating vision, burning, chronic eye redness, dryness, excess tearing, itching, foreign body sensation (sandy), or crusting around eyes. Often made worse by smoke, wind, heat, low humidity, or prolonged use of the eyes (common when working on a computer or with reading), and worse later in the day or when waking. Some patients have little to no symptoms at all and the diagnosis is made by the eye care professional.

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Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (oil tear gland blockage) which-causes evaporative tear loss and dryness. Most common cause.
• Blepharitis: Eyelid inflammation which often leads to dry eye. 2nd most comman cause.
• Preserved Eye Drops: (glaucoma or postoperative eye drops) may strain the ocular surface enough to temporanly cause or aggravate dry eye syndrome.
• Connective tissue diseases: e.gs, Sjégren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Infections: from normal Bacteria living on the eyelid margins or from parasites such as Demodex brevis (house mite)
• Drugs: e.g., oral contraceptives, antihistamines, beta-blockers, antidepressants.

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Consequences of Dry Eye

Dry Eye Syndrome can damage the eyes and alter vision if left untreated.

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Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

The good news: Dry Eye Syndrome is treatable, though it may take weeks or months. If we are recommending iLASIK or Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery™, we will start Dry Eye treatment first and you will more than likely need to continue the treatment after your surgery. Treatment may last for several months and we will update your treatment plan regularly. iLux™ is an FDA approved in-office treatment available at Restoration Eye Care. We are the only clinic to offer this quick and painless procedure