7800 SW 87 AVE SUITE B-270 MIAMI, FLORIDA 33173
305-271-8206
Contact Us
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eye does not produce adequate tears to nourish and lubricate the ocular surface. Tears are essential for preserving the health of the ocular surface and ensuring clear vision. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly prevalent among older adults.
The lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye can cause a variety of problems. In the absence of enough tears, the ocular surface may become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and potential vision issues. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for dry eye syndrome, including the use of specialized lenses.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome. These include certain medications that many people take on a daily basis, such as antihistamines, contraceptives, hypertension medications, anti-depressants, and sleeping aids. Furthermore, refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are also significant contributors to the development of dry eye syndrome
A noteworthy element in the cause of dry eye syndrome is the role of the meibomian glands. These glands, located along the inner lining of the eyelids, produce the oily component of the tear film that covers the watery portion of the tear film. If the meibomian glands are compromised, the oily layer of the tear film may be disrupted, allowing the tears to evaporate quickly, which can potentially damage the ocular surface tissues. This insufficient oily layer is a common cause of what is often referred to as evaporative dry eye.
- Over correction or under correction of the visual error
- Induced astigmatism due to a surgically created distorted cornea
- Issues with the LASIK flap
- Loss of vision which cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Halos, double vision, glare and corneal haze
- Poor vision at night and in low light environments
- Chronic dry eyes, burning and ocular pain (corneal neuropathy)
- Post LASIK corneal ectasia which can occur many years after the LASIK was done
- Epithelial ingrowth ( epithelial cells that exist on the cornea surface getting underneath the LASIK flap and then begin to grow).
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye disease manifests in several ways, with symptoms ranging from minor irritation to significant discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms include redness in the eyes, a burning or itching sensation, unstable or fluctuating vision, a scratching sensation with each blink, and excessive tearing.
Patients may also experience difficulty focusing on close work for extended periods, and unusual mucus or stringy ocular secretions can also be signs of dry eye syndrome. Eye pain, ranging from a sharp to a dull ache, can also be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This array of symptoms highlights the potential impact of dry eye syndrome on patients’ daily lives and overall quality of life.
Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments
Dry eye disease can affect individuals differently and to various degrees. For patients with minor symptoms, a variety of preservative-free lubricating drops and ointments are available to reduce or eliminate many dry eye disease symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have also helped many patients find relief from numerous dry eye disease symptoms.
For patients suffering significant discomfort and ocular pain due to dry eye disease, properly designed and fitted scleral lenses can eliminate most, if not all, of the symptoms experienced. Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.
Between the back surface of the lens and the front surface of the cornea, there is a space filled with sterile, preservative-free saline solution. Essentially, the dry ocular surface is constantly exposed to a moist environment, significantly alleviating dry eye symptoms. These lenses often provide excellent comfort and vision, making them an attractive option for patients suffering from chronic ocular pain due to refractive surgeries like Radial Keratotomy and LASIK surgery.
While there’s no definitive cure for dry eye syndrome, the aforementioned treatment options aim to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients. It’s essential to understand that treating dry eye syndrome is often about managing the condition rather than completely eradicating it. Treatment regimens will vary widely depending on the severity of the symptoms and the specific needs of each patient.
With the advancements in ocular health, such as the use of scleral lenses, managing dry eye syndrome has become more effective, providing patients with a higher degree of relief and improved quality of life. Regular eye exams and consultations with an eye care professional are crucial in managing the disease and maintaining eye health. It’s essential to remember that early detection and intervention are vital in preventing the progression of dry eye syndrome and reducing its impact on everyday life.
The scientific understanding of dry eye syndrome continues to evolve, and with it, the approach to treatment. The goal is to provide relief to the millions of individuals living with dry eye syndrome, offering them the opportunity to enjoy life with clear, comfortable vision.
Dr. Boshnick and Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Syndrome
For patients suffering from significant discomfort and ocular pain due to dry eye syndrome, Dr. Boshnick presents an innovative and effective solution – scleral lenses. Known for his extensive experience and expertise in eye care, Dr. Boshnick has dedicated years to assisting patients with various debilitating ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, regain quality vision in a non-invasive manner. His practice has become a leading entity in North America in terms of scleral lens application.
Scleral lenses are specialty lenses that often exhibit therapeutic properties. These large, gas-permeable lenses are designed to vault over the cornea without touching it. Instead, they rest on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera. A special fluid fills the space between the back portion of the lens and the front of the cornea. This liquid environment promotes corneal healing and keeps the ocular surface in a moist environment, providing an optimal solution for patients with dry eye syndrome.
Dr. Boshnick uses these lenses to restore health, vision, and comfort to his patients suffering from dry eye syndrome. His patient-centered approach ensures the scleral lenses are custom-fitted for each individual, maximizing their therapeutic effect and overall comfort.
The process begins with a comprehensive eye examination to assess the severity of the dry eye syndrome and the overall health of the patient’s eyes. If the patient is deemed a good candidate for scleral lenses, precise measurements of the eyes are taken. This ensures that the lenses fit perfectly and provide the necessary vault over the cornea.
Patients who have been fitted with scleral lenses by Dr. Boshnick have often reported a significant reduction in their dry eye symptoms, improved visual acuity, and a better overall quality of life. Many have noted that their eyes feel constantly hydrated and that they experience less ocular discomfort and irritation. In addition to symptom alleviation, patients often notice an improvement in their vision, as the saline solution between the lens and the cornea can help to smooth out the irregularities on the eye’s surface.
In addition to providing relief from dry eye syndrome, Dr. Boshnick’s use of scleral lenses is also an attractive option for patients suffering from chronic ocular pain due to refractive surgeries such as Radial Keratotomy and LASIK surgery.
Dr. Boshnick’s approach to treating dry eye syndrome through the use of scleral lenses signifies a leap forward in eye care. It offers hope to those who have tried other treatment modalities without success, affirming that with innovative solutions and dedicated specialists, relief from dry eye syndrome is possible.
Your Vision, Our Priority:
Schedule Your Consultation Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate and nourish the ocular surface of the eye. This can lead to symptoms like redness, itching, burning, unstable vision, and a scratching sensation during blinking.
Various factors can contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome, including the usage of certain medications like antihistamines, contraceptives, hypertension medications, antidepressants, and sleeping medications. Refractive surgeries such as LASIK can also contribute to the condition. Additionally, compromised meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film, can cause dry eye symptoms.
Dr. Boshnick uses scleral lenses, which vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, to alleviate the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome. These lenses are filled with a sterile, preservative-free saline solution that creates a moist environment for the ocular surface, reducing dryness and discomfort.
Scleral lenses can be used by patients suffering from significant discomfort and ocular pain due to Dry Eye Syndrome. They are especially useful for patients with severe dryness who have tried other treatment options without success. Dr. Boshnick also recommends them for patients suffering from chronic ocular pain due to refractive surgeries such as Radial Keratotomy and LASIK.
Suspendisse finibus urna mauris, lorem ipsum is simply free text vitae consequat quam vel. Vestibulum leo ligula, available to the market for the new stuff vitae commodo nisl.
Scleral lenses are typically well-tolerated and comfortable as they don’t touch the cornea. They are custom-fitted for each patient, enhancing their overall comfort. Most patients find that their eyes feel consistently hydrated and experience less irritation and discomfort.
Yes, the saline solution between the lens and the cornea can help smooth out irregularities on the eye’s surface, which often leads to improved visual acuity. In addition to symptom relief, many patients fitted with scleral lenses by Dr. Boshnick have reported improved vision.
The adaptation period varies from person to person. Some patients may feel comfortable with their lenses almost immediately, while others may need a few weeks to get accustomed. Dr. Boshnick provides guidance and support throughout this process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Schedule Your Consultation with
Dr. Boshnick
-
-
-
7800 Sw 87 Ave Suite B-270
Miami, Florida 33173
