Dry Eye
Syndrome

One of the most common conditions we encounter here at Petelin Vision is dry eye syndrome, which affects millions of people worldwide. Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, leading to discomfort, irritation, and vision problems. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of your eyes, as they help to lubricate, nourish, and protect the surface of your eyes. Without enough tears, your eyes can become inflamed, red, and sensitive to light, which can impact your quality of life.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Redness and inflammation
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing (due to a reflex tearing response)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common form of dry eye syndrome, accounting for up to 86% of cases. The meibomian glands are tiny glands located in the eyelids that produce an oil called meibum, which helps to keep tears from evaporating too quickly. In MGD, these glands become clogged or inflamed, leading to a decrease in the quantity and quality of meibum produced.

MGD can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, inflammation, and certain medications. It is also more common in older adults and people with certain medical conditions, such as rosacea.

Symptoms of MGD are similar to other forms of dry eye syndrome and can include dryness, burning, and redness of the eyes, as well as blurred vision and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, MGD can lead to further complications, such as corneal damage and vision loss

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

The treatment for dry eye syndrome depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. In mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide relief from symptoms by providing extra moisture to the eyes. However, in more severe cases, other treatments may be necessary. At Petelin Vision, we offer Lipiflow and TempSure Envi, two non-invasive, comfortable treatments for dry eye caused by MGD that offer longer term relief and can reduce or eliminate your need for drops.

• This procedure uses a gentle massage to unclog blocked oil glands in the eyelids. Blocked oil glands can contribute to dry eye syndrome, and by unclogging them, we can improve the quality and quantity of tears produced by your eyes.
• TempSure Envi. This non-invasive radiofrequency device stimulates collagen production in the skin around the eyes. This can help to improve the quality and quantity of tears by increasing the moisture content of the eyes. It also improves the look of the skin around the eyes.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Our experienced and caring team of eye doctors will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs.