Dry eye

There are a variety of treatment options and many new therapies we can use. We can use eye drops, oral medications or even in-office procedures depending on your situation.

In some cases of dry eye, your tear duct system (lacrimal system) might make too many tears to relieve the irritation, called reflex tearing or lacrimation, leading to overflowing tears, called epiphora.

If your lacrimal system is involved, you may need LipiFlow, a device that unclogs blocked glands on your eyelids. You may need temporary punctal plugs to block the punctum, which is the opening of the tear drainage system.

Or the cause of your dry eyes may be nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), canalicular stenosis or unctal stenosis. The cause could be an infection in the drainage system like canaliculitis or dacryocystitis.

To treat an infection or blockage, the best course may include surgery. Your surgical specialist may perform a dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR), conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR), punctoplasty or canalicular surgery, which may involve the placement of a small silicone or glass tube. In some cases, eyelid malposition contributes to poor tear drainage, and we may perform surgery to repair this.

Each surgery has its own distinct procedures, so our staff will work with you beforehand to ensure you understand everything, including your recovery care.