Comprehensive Care for
Dry Eye Disease

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, we understand the impact that Dry Eye Disease (DED) can have on your comfort and quality of life. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, irritation, and in some cases, blurred vision, significantly affecting daily activities. As a premier ophthalmology practice, we are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments and personalized care to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye disease. Our goal is to restore comfort and optimize eye health with a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

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What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and irritation of the eye’s surface, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Dry eye disease is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and is often associated with aging, but it can also result from environmental, lifestyle, and health factors.

dry eye

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

The symptoms of dry eye disease can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

  • Persistent dryness or a gritty sensation in the eyes
  • Burning or stinging in the eyes
  • Redness or inflammation of the eyes
  • Blurred vision, which may improve with blinking
  • Eye fatigue, especially after reading or using digital devices
  • Watery eyes, which is often a result of the eye’s attempt to compensate for dryness
  • Sensitivity to light
Stock image

Causes of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease can have multiple causes, often involving a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Insufficient Tear Production: When the tear glands do not produce enough tears, the eye becomes dry and irritated.
  • Excessive Tear Evaporation: Tears may evaporate too quickly due to poor quality or inadequate quantity of tears, leading to dryness and discomfort.
  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, secrete oils that help keep tears from evaporating too quickly. If these glands become blocked or do not function properly, it can lead to dry eyes.
  • Environmental Factors: Dry air, smoke, wind, or air conditioning can accelerate tear evaporation and exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  • Contact Lens Use: Prolonged contact lens wear can contribute to dry eyes, as lenses can interfere with the eye’s ability to produce or maintain adequate moisture.
  • Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts due to pregnancy, menopause, or medications (such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy) can affect tear production.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, and thyroid disorders can impact tear production and contribute to dry eye disease.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes.

Risk Factors for Dry Eye Disease

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing dry eye disease, including:

  • Age: The risk of dry eyes increases with age, particularly after 50 years old.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye disease due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and oral contraceptive use.
  • Medical Conditions: As mentioned, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and thyroid issues are common contributors to dry eye disease.
  • Medications: Medications that reduce tear production, such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, and diuretics, can increase the risk of dry eyes.
  • Environmental Factors: Living in areas with low humidity, frequent exposure to wind, or spending time in air-conditioned or heated spaces can increase tear evaporation.
  • Extended Screen Time: Prolonged use of digital devices can decrease blinking, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye Disease

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to the severity of your dry eye disease and its underlying causes. Our goal is to provide long-term relief and improve the overall health of your eyes.

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops

The most common treatment for mild to moderate dry eye disease is the use of over-the-counter artificial tears. These lubricating eye drops can help supplement natural tear production and relieve dryness and irritation.

2. Prescription Medications

For moderate to severe dry eye disease, prescription medications may be necessary. These can include:

Restasis is an anti-inflammatory prescription eye drop used to treat dry eye disease by increasing tear production. It works by targeting the inflammation in the lacrimal glands (tear-producing glands), helping to restore the natural production of tears. Restasis is most effective when used regularly and over time, and it can be an excellent option for patients with chronic dry eyes caused by underlying inflammation.

  • Benefits: Restasis helps reduce inflammation in the eye and promotes tear production, improving overall eye comfort.
  • How It Works: By inhibiting the immune response that leads to inflammation, Restasis helps restore the eye’s natural ability to produce tears.
  • Usage: Typically, Restasis is prescribed as two drops in each eye, twice a day.

Considerations: It may take 4 to 6 weeks to start noticing significant improvements, as it works gradually to restore tear production.

Cequa is another prescription eye drop containing cyclosporine A, similar to Restasis, but it uses a more advanced formulation that allows for better absorption into the eye. Cequa is designed to treat the inflammation associated with dry eye disease and help improve tear production. Its unique formulation provides a higher concentration of cyclosporine A, making it a more effective option for some patients.

  • Benefits: Cequa provides faster absorption and more consistent delivery of cyclosporine A to the target tissues in the eye, helping to reduce inflammation and promote tear production.
  • How It Works: By reducing inflammation in the lacrimal glands, Cequa helps to stimulate the natural production of tears.
  • Usage: Like Restasis, Cequa is typically prescribed as one drop in each eye twice daily.

Considerations: It is generally well-tolerated, with minimal risk of side effects. Some patients may experience mild eye irritation after use.

Xiidra is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop that works by targeting the inflammation that causes dry eye disease. Unlike Restasis and Cequa, which focus on tear production, Xiidra works by inhibiting the inflammatory cells that contribute to the breakdown of the tear film. This treatment can be particularly helpful for patients whose dry eye symptoms are linked to inflammation of the surface of the eye.

  • Benefits: Xiidra can reduce the inflammation and irritation associated with dry eye disease, helping to improve overall eye comfort and reduce dryness.
  • How It Works: Xiidra blocks the activity of certain immune cells, known as T lymphocytes, that contribute to inflammation and tear instability in dry eye disease.
  • Usage: Xiidra is typically prescribed as one drop in each eye, twice daily (morning and evening).
  • Considerations: Some patients may experience mild burning or stinging sensations upon application, but these effects are usually temporary.

Meibo is a prescription treatment that focuses on addressing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye disease. MGD occurs when the glands that secrete oils into the tear film become blocked or stop functioning properly, leading to excessive tear evaporation. Meibo works by stimulating the production of the oils necessary for maintaining a stable tear film and reducing evaporation.

  • Benefits: Meibo helps restore the natural oils in the tear film, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly and reducing dryness and irritation.
  • How It Works: By addressing the root cause of MGD, Meibo promotes healthier tear production and helps to maintain moisture on the eye’s surface.
  • Usage: Meibo is typically used in combination with other treatments, such as artificial tears or anti-inflammatory eye drops, for optimal results.
  • Considerations: Meibo may be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe dry eyes who have an underlying issue with the meibomian glands.

Tyrvaya is a relatively new prescription eye drop designed to treat dry eye disease by stimulating the production of natural tears. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, which means it works by activating receptors in the eye that signal the lacrimal glands to produce more tears. This treatment is unique because it directly stimulates tear production rather than simply addressing inflammation or oil production.

  • Benefits: Tyrvaya provides a novel approach to treating dry eye disease by stimulating tear production in a way that no other treatment currently does. It can be a valuable option for patients who do not respond to other treatments.
  • How It Works: Tyrvaya activates the receptors in the lacrimal glands to promote natural tear production, helping to alleviate dryness and irritation.
  • Usage: Tyrvaya is typically prescribed as one drop in each eye, twice daily.
  • Considerations: Tyrvaya is generally well-tolerated, with very few side effects reported. Some patients may experience mild irritation or a burning sensation upon application.

3. Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly, helping to keep the eye moist. This can be an effective solution for individuals with chronic dry eyes who do not respond to other treatments.

4. Meibomian Gland Expression and TearCare®

For patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye disease, we offer TearCare®, a therapeutic treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to unblock the meibomian glands, improving oil production and reducing tear evaporation.

5. Broad Band Light (BBL) Therapy

BBL therapy can be used to treat MGD and dry eye symptoms by delivering light pulses to the eyelid area, reducing inflammation and promoting gland function. This treatment is especially beneficial for patients with chronic or severe dry eyes.

6. Surgical and Minimally Invasive Options

In more advanced cases of dry eye disease, surgical treatments may be considered, such as the insertion of punctal plugs or even surgical procedures to improve tear production.

7. Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments

Making changes to your environment, such as using a humidifier, wearing wraparound sunglasses, or taking regular breaks from digital screens, can help reduce dry eye symptoms. We also recommend practicing good eyelid hygiene to prevent inflammation and infection of the eyelid glands.

Why Choose Lake
Nona Ophthalmology?

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, our commitment to providing the highest quality care, coupled with cutting-edge technology, sets us apart. We offer:

  • Expertise and Experience: Our board-certified ophthalmologists have extensive experience performing cataract surgery with premium IOLs, including Toric lenses.
  • Personalized Care: We understand that each patient is unique, and we work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your vision goals.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Our advanced diagnostic tools ensure precise measurements and optimal outcomes, allowing us to select the best Toric IOL for your eyes.
  • Comprehensive Support: From your initial consultation through post-surgery care, we are with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Dr Patel and Dr Ahmed

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At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, Dr. Patel and his team provide compassionate and cutting-edge care for patients throughout Orlando and greater Central Florida.

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