Dry Eye Syndrome

Overview

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a condition caused by lack of tear production or rapid evaporation or break-up of the tear film. It is a frustrating problem for many people in Los Gatos, San Jose and South Bay, California area. Dr. Jeehee Kim at Polaris Eye & Laser offers effective dry eye treatment that allows patients to put the dry, itchy, and burning eyes in their past.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome may include:

Dryness
Redness
Foreign body sensation
Itchiness
Light sensitivity
Decreased Vision in severe cases

People and conditions at risk for dry eye syndrome:

Women
Rheumatological disease, such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis
Environmental conditions from the sun, wind, air conditioning, heater, smoke, pollution
Certain medications
Thyroid eye disease
LASIK surgery
Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid margins
Soft contact lens wearer
Abnormal eyelid anatomy due to trauma, surgery or aging

Detection and Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is aided by measurement of tear production called Schirmer's test, Lissamine green staining of conjunctiva, and careful examination of the anterior segment of the eye.

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye is customized based on the patient’s symptoms and the underlying causes of dry eye. Many patients achieve dry eye relief with prescription eye medicine that stimulates tear production. For others, prescription eye drops resolve symptoms by restoring a proper tear film. An ophthalmologist can place a miniature plug designed to stay in the punctum, the small hole that drains excess tear fluid from the eye, so the eye surface will retain more moisture. In some cases, Dr. Kim may recommend combining dry eye treatment with blepharitis therapies. In other cases, a patient may need a minor surgical correction that will allow the eyelids to function normally. This in turn will keep the eyes properly lubricated and relieve dry eye symptoms. Here at Polaris Eye & Laser, Dr. Kim will advise you on the treatment that's right for you depending on the specific condition of your dry eyes. If you have dry eye symptoms, you do not need to suffer as there are effective and innovative treatment options for our dry eye patients.

Contact us today!

Schedule an appointment with us online or call us at (408) 358-3932.