Dry eye syndrome is more than just an annoyance—it can significantly impact your quality of life. At Alamo Eye Care, we understand how crucial it is to find effective solutions tailored to your needs. Advances in technology and treatment options have revolutionized how we address dry eye, offering relief and improved comfort to our patients.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. Tears play a crucial role in maintaining eye health, providing lubrication, washing away debris, and protecting against infection. When the balance of tear production and drainage is disrupted, it can result in symptoms like redness, burning, itching, a gritty sensation, or blurry vision.

Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including aging, environmental conditions, prolonged screen use, medical conditions, or certain medications. Left untreated, dry eye can affect your quality of life and even lead to damage to the surface of your eye. Below, we explore some of the latest innovations available at our clinic.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are a simple yet effective solution for individuals struggling with chronic dry eye. These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to retain natural tears on the surface of the eye for longer. This minimally invasive treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who experience insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation.

Therapeutics

Medications have made significant advancements in addressing the underlying causes of dry eye. Prescription eye drops are designed to reduce inflammation, enhance tear production, and stabilize the tear film, providing much-needed relief for many patients. These therapeutics offer effective solutions for managing symptoms and improving overall eye health.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are a game-changer for patients with severe dry eye. These large-diameter lenses create a reservoir of fluid over the cornea, providing continuous hydration and relief from irritation. They are custom-designed for each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and improved vision for those with irregular corneas or extreme dryness.

MiBo ThermoFlo

The MiBo ThermoFlo system targets one of the most common causes of dry eye—meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Using gentle heat and massage, this innovative treatment unclogs and restores function to the glands responsible for producing the oily layer of tears. MiBo ThermoFlo is non-invasive and provides long-lasting results for patients struggling with MGD.

Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Amniotic membranes are a cutting-edge option for patients with severe or chronic dry eye, particularly those caused by damage to the corneal surface. These membranes promote healing, reduce inflammation, and protect the eye while regenerating healthy tissue. Applied as a temporary "bandage" contact lens, they are ideal for patients who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

Autologous Serum Tears

For patients with complex cases of dry eye, autologous serum tears offer a highly personalized solution. These eye drops are made from the patient’s blood, creating a tear substitute rich in natural growth factors and nutrients. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing severe dryness caused by conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or graft-versus-host disease.

Finding the Right Solution for You

At Alamo Eye Care, we prioritize a personalized approach to dry eye management. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment options for your unique needs.

If you’re tired of battling dry eye and are ready to explore the latest innovations in treatment, schedule a consultation with Alamo Eye Care. Contact our office in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, by calling (210) 403-9050 to book an appointment today.