Artificial tears
We can use artificial tears to treat dry eye. The artificial tears protect the eye’s surface by forming a lubricating film and strengthening the tear film. There are many types of artificial tears, but they all contain similar ingredients, such as water and salts. Sometimes they include thickening agents and preservatives.
If preservatives are not included, the artificial tears usually have to be used up within a day.
The thicker they are, the better the tears adhere to the eye’s surface and the better moistened they are. However, a thick substance temporarily impairs vision because it covers the eye like a veil. The ophthalmologist cannot predict how each patient will react to each solution. You may need to try numerous solutions until you find one that works well for you.
If possible, you should try and use solutions without preservatives to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. Anyone who wears soft contact lenses should always get artificial tears without preservatives.
How much artificial tears should you use? The principle “a lot helps a lot” applies here, so you should use them regularly.
Lid edge care
If inflammation of the lid edges is the trigger for the watering eyes, we may need to improve the drainage of the flat film. The fat film is produced in the Meibomian glands. This is done by peeling off skin flakes and crusts on the edges of the eyelids. Often this detachment is only possible by first massaging an eye ointment into the appropriate areas. As long as the inflammation continues at the edges of the eyelids, you should discontinue the use of cosmetic products such as eye shadow.
Eye drops
There are two variants: human blood serum drops and anti-inflammatory drops. There are numerous substances in the human blood serum that reduce inflammation. This can also have a positive effect on eye surface diseases. We can make these drops from your blood.
If you choose to use drops created by the pharmaceutical industry, they must contain anti-inflammation. For short-term use, cortisone is usually included to help with inflammation. For long-term use, only drops without cortisone are suitable.
Contact lenses
Lenses are a problem when patients have “dry eye” because they often make symptoms worse. However, there are some forms of this disease that benefit from soft and thin lenses. They can stabilize the surface of the eye and reduce discomfort.
Seal the teardrop spots
If the tears run out of the eye too quickly, the teardrop points are often letting in too much fluid. For a certain period of time, it then helps to close these teardrop points. We can use a plug for this, which works like a plugin in a bathtub. In rare cases, the ophthalmologist may force the closure permanently. They can do this by scarring the tear points.
Food
Sometimes the human body is unable to manufacture certain substances that it needs. For example, humans can be deficient in specific vitamins such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are important for eye health. Fatty acids help to create healthy glands on the edge of the eyelid. They also help to secret tears and messenger substances that signal inflammation.
Often we can obtain these vitamins through food or supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in oily fish or linseed oil. There are also drugs on the market to promote secretion, but some have serious side effects. That is why we only recommend them in severe cases.
We also offer e-eye tratment IPL (Intense Pulse Light treatment). This is a pain-free and effective way to treat dry eye conditions.