Your relief is in sight

Scratchy, burning or blurry eyes can make your life miserable. Even simple tasks like reading, driving or wearing contact lenses can be painful and frustrating. Let the specialists at Willis Knighton use today’s most advanced technology to help you get to the root of the problem and ease your discomfort.

Our approach to treating dry eyes 

The tear film in your eye has three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid and mucus. A problem in any of the layers can cause inadequate tear production or rapid evaporation. Dry eyes can also be caused by inflamed eyelid glands, allergic eye disease, hormonal changes or autoimmune diseases. At Willis Knighton, we will pinpoint the cause and provide the relief you need.  

Why choose us  

Dry eyes can be far more than a minor irritation. They can have a profound impact on your quality of life, making your eyes red, scratchy or overly sensitive to light. Dry eyes can also affect your ability to wear contact lenses and drive at night. Our specialists strive to help you get answers fast and feel better sooner. You will find:

• High-quality, compassionate, personalized care 
• A team of professionals focused on your individual needs 
• Years of experience with a wide range of conditions 
• Advanced and innovative treatments rooted in the latest research 

Diagnosing the problem 

According to the National Institutes of Health, doctors may use multiple tests to determine the cause and severity of dry eyes. Among the tests our specialists may perform:

• Schirmer's Test to measure tear production 
• Tear Break-up Time (TBUT) to evaluate tear stability  
• The Sjo Test, a blood test that screens for Sjogren’s syndrome or other autoimmune diseases. 
• Slit Lamp Exam to look for signs of inflammation, damage or insufficient tear volume 
• Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy Test to examine the lining of the eyelids for damage, indicating friction and chronic dry eye 
• Meibomian Gland Expression to check the quality and flow of oils, which is crucial for preventing evaporation 
• Ocular Surface Staining to find any damaged cells on the cornea or conjunctiva 
• Tear Osmolarity Test to measure the saltiness/composition of tears to assess tear film health 
• Tear Meniscus Assessment to measure the height and volume of the tear layer along the eyelid margin (may require Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT) 

Services

Your treatment will depend on the exact cause of your condition. Sometimes treating the underlying cause of dry eyes can eliminate the problem. Warm compresses or eye masks can soothe dry eyes as well. Other patients find much-needed relief with nonprescription eye drops (or artificial tears). 

The professionals at Willis Knighton take the time to personalize your treatment plan and offer a wide range of options, including:  

• Prescription medications — Antibiotics (pills, ointments or eye drops) can reduce eyelid inflammation, and cyclosporine or corticosteroids can reduce cornea inflammation. Cholinergics (pills, gels or eye drops) help increase tear production. Hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts, which resemble tiny grains of rice, dissolve slowly when placed between your lower eyelid and your eyeball, keeping the eye lubricated. There is also a nasal spray (varenicline) that provides relief for some patients. 
• Special contact lenses — Scleral lenses or bandage lenses help trap moisture and protect the surface of the eyes.   
• Intense-pulsed light therapy — This procedure is followed by Meibomian gland expression.   
• Punctal plugs — Capping the tear ducts off with collagen or silicone plugs conserves the moisture in your eyes (your own tears and artificial tears). 
• Eye surgery — Surgeons can close the tear ducts, preventing tears from draining away. Thermal cautery is a more permanent solution. Surgeons can also repair specific eyelid conditions, such as ectropion (when the eyelids turn outward).