Eye Physicians&Surgeons of Chicago

Dry Eye

An estimated 20 millions Americas suffer from dry eye. Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratitis Sica) refers to a variety of conditions in which the tears do not adequately lubricate the cornea (clear front surface of the eye). This eye condition is often characterized by a scratchy, gritty feeling.

Your eyes require a constant layer of tears to lubricate, nourish, protect and cleanse your eyes. With chronic dry eye the underlying changes of the health of the tear-producing glands and their inability to produce the correct amount of tears results in a tear film that does not provide proper nourishment or protection. This may lead to the irritating symptoms of dry eye. Dry eyes can occur as a result of aging, environmental factors, medical conditions or medication side effects.

Dry eyes can make contact lens wear uncomfortable and is a common reason for patients to give up their contacts. Our tear film has three layers. The oil layer prevents evaporation of the tears. The middle layer is the watery layer that nourishes and lubricates. The inner layer is composed of mucous to adhere the other layers to the ocular surface. Disturbances in any of the layers or multiple layers cause redness and irritation. The treatment of dry eye symptoms includes moisturizing drops often called artificial tears and the insertion of puntual plugs. Mild to moderate dry eyes improve with non-prescription artificial tears. Severe dry eyes often require eye gel or ointments, prescription medication and puntual plugs. There are many new products for the treatment of dry eye most available without a prescription. A new prescription product, Restasis TM, is the first and only therapeutic treatment targeted to increase tear production in patients with dry eye due to ocular inflammation. If inflammation is the root cause of your dry eye condition, this medication may be your answer. Punctual plugs are silicone plugs inserted by our surgeon to close the ducts that drain tears. The plugs help retain tears and give many patients relief from the symptoms of dry eyes. Temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent plugs can be inserted in a simple office procedure.

Our doctors will work with you to assess the severity of your condition and help you determine the treatment option that best serves your dry eye needs.

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	Cataract Surgery Glaucoma Treatment Dry Eyes LASIK Macular Degeneration

Procedures:
Cataracts | Glaucoma Treatment | LASIK | Macular DeGeneration | Dry Eyes