Dry Eye Syndrome – Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS
Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, is a medical condition associated with a chronic lack of moisture in the eye. Dry eye affects more than 12 million Americans and is caused by low quality or quantity of tears.
The quality of tears as well as lack of tears in the eye can be caused by many factors, including:
- Medical conditions
- Certain medications
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Aging
- Contact lenses
- Climate/allergies
- Prolonged computer use
- Eye surgery
While dry eye disease cannot always be cured, Dr. Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS, offers several treatment options for patients throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who suffer from dry eye symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Dry eye syndrome ranges from mild to severe. Many patients who have a mild case of dry eye syndrome are able to control their symptoms with over-the-counter eye drops. However, medical attention is essential for patients who experience following dry eye symptoms:
- Persistent itching
- Burning
- Irritation/inflammation
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Foreign body sensation or gritty/sand-like sensation in the eyes
Individuals who suffer from untreated dry eye may experience serious complications, including frequent eye infections and scarring of the cornea, which may impair vision.
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Donnenfeld.
Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Dry eye syndrome is diagnosed through a range of tests, the most common being the Schirmer's test, which measures the amount of tears in the eyes, and the rose bengal stain test, during which special dye is injected into the eye to detect tear deficiency. Dr. Donnenfeld also measures the degree of dry eye with the TearLab Osmolarity System, available at OCLI offices, the first certified dry eye testing laboratories in the Tri-State region.
Dry eye treatment varies from one patient to another. When the condition is caused by climate and/or certain activities, a change in environment or lifestyle may improve symptoms. Likewise, individuals who suffer from dry eye as a result of a medication should seek alternative treatments for their medical condition, if possible.
The most common treatment for dry eye syndrome is the use of artificial tears, which can be obtained with or without a prescription. Artificial tears are applied to the eye several times throughout the day or as needed to relive irritation and other symptoms caused by dry eye disease. However, relief treatments do not stop the progression of dry eye.
Topical anti-inflammatory drops (Restasis and corticosteroids) are the only treatments which have been proven to slow the progression and at times reverse the dry eye disease process. Dr. Donnenfeld was an FDA investigator in the use of these medications and has published extensively on this topic.
Additional treatment options include the Lacrisert implant, a small device that is placed inside the lower eyelid to periodically release lubricating fluid into the eye, and punctal plugs, which are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, thereby keeping the surface of the eye lubricated. Punctal plugs are available in two forms: semi-permanent and dissolvable.
For more information on dry eye disease treatment options, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Donnenfeld. At his state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Donnenfeld helps LASIK and cataracts Long Island patients achieve clear vision.
