Dry eyes is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears.
Dry eyes feel uncomfortable. If you have dry eyes, your eyes may sting or burn. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours.
Signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include:
A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Sensitivity to light
Eye redness
Difficulty wearing contact lenses and nighttime driving
Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
Blurred vision or eye fatigue
TearCare® is a 15-minute in-house procedure. The system is intended for the application of localized heat therapy in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands. We sell products in the store from Optase and OCuSOFT.
The Q is light technology that patients can utilize at home and on the go called, The Q, short for the Quantum. The Q complements the in office IPL treatments. Safe enough to use every day on every skin type, the Q offers low energy light at a safe wavelength to stimulate the glands that produce our tears with a fraction of the energy used for in office IPL treatments. This can also be used to treat or prevent styes. Dr. Toyos has patented this technology that is only available at selected doctors office. Results from treatment research were presented at the Ocular Surgery News International meeting in Italy. The prospective study showed increase in tear production and over a 90% satisfaction rate by patients.
Does your eyes itch, scratch, get puffy or red? If so, you might be having ocular allergies. We recommend Lastacaft and Pataday eye drops and OCuSOFT allergy wipes which is sold directly in our office.
If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or gritty—especially after long days on digital screens, during allergy season, or in dry environments—you may be experiencing dry eye disease. One common cause is that your tears drain too quickly, leaving the surface of your eyes without enough moisture.
LacriFill™ is a simple, in-office treatment that helps your eyes stay hydrated by slowing down tear drainage, allowing your natural tears to remain on the surface of your eyes longer.
What Is LacriFill?
LacriFill is a gentle, temporary solution that is placed in the tiny opening of your eyelid called the tear duct, or puncta. Its purpose is to help retain moisture on the eye by preventing tears from draining too quickly.
Made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance found in your body—LacriFill is designed to be highly biocompatible and comfortable. Unlike traditional plugs, LacriFill dissolves naturally over time, typically lasting about 3 to 6 months. Most patients report that they don't feel it at all.
Who Is LacriFill For?
LacriFill may be a great option if:
You use artificial tears multiple times a day
Your eyes often feel dry, burn, or feel gritty
You experience excessive tearing (which can be a sign of dryness)
You wear contact lenses and experience discomfort
You’ve had LASIK or cataract surgery and notice increased dryness
A Simple Step Toward Lasting Relief
The LacriFill procedure is quick, painless, and performed right in our office. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to try punctal occlusion without committing to a permanent option. If you're seeking longer-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and are tired of constantly using eye drops, LacriFill may be the right next step for you.
Want to find out if you’re a candidate? Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
If you want some relief for eye misalignment symptoms, including eye fatigue, eye strain, dry eye sensation, neck pain, motion sickness and more, contact us today and let one of our staff members secure your appointment.