Let’s Address Dry Eye Syndrome

You might be familiar with dry eye syndrome. It can come in waves as a burning sensation in your vision, or linger all day as an itchy reminder that your tears just aren’t sufficient. We’re here to help!

Just as the causes of dry eye syndrome are vast, so are the treatment solutions. LaFerla Family Eye Care is your dry eye treatment partner. Just because dry eyes are becoming more common than ever doesn’t mean you have to live with the symptoms. Visit our eye doctors for dry eye treatments tailored to your personal well-being.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

The symptoms of dry eye can be fleeting but when it becomes an everyday problem, it’s time to consult our eye doctors for a treatment plan. Some of the signs that indicate you may have chronic dry eye include:

Blurred vision
Burning or itchy eyes
Eye fatigue
Watery or teary eyes
Eye & eyelid redness
Puffy or swollen eyes
Eye pain

How Dry Eye Occurs

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes are under-lubricated with insufficient or low-quality tears. Your tear film may be negatively influenced by one of the following conditions:

Overexposure to digital screens (CVS)
Poorly fitting contact lenses
Ocular surgery
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
Allergies
Exposure to smoke or wind
Use of certain medications
Menopause

Imbalance of the Tear Film

Our tear film has 3 specific layers, each functioning to keep our eyes moist and free of bacteria:

An outer lipid layer (oily) to slow down evaporation and keep the eyes’ surface smooth
A middle aqueous layer to hydrate the eye and deliver nutrients
An inner mucous layer to keep the tears sticking to the eyeball

When our tears are imbalanced, they cannot provide the proper protection and hydration our eyes need, leading to dry eyes.

How We Treat Dry Eye Syndrome

LaFerla Family Eye Care is standing up to dry eye syndrome, even as it becomes a more prominent eye condition in America.

The best treatment for your dry eyes depends on the root of the condition and advice from one of our eye doctors. Just like taking Omega-3 natural supplements, all of these methods aim to relieve you of itchy, red, painful dry eyes.

If you are interested in Omega-3 supplements to enhance your visual health, our practice is proud to offer Nordic Naturals ProOmega 2000 as an option for purchase.

Artificial Tears

Often the first step in dry eye relief, artificial tears are designed to hydrate your eyes. While these products do not address the cause of your dry eyes, they can provide short-term solutions for uncomfortable symptoms. Speak with our eye doctors before selecting a product, as we may recommend a preservative-free choice or specialty brand.

Medicated Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops are a prescribed solution for chronic dry eyes. These types of eye drops can suppress inflammation with regular application. Our optometrists can recommend medicated eye drops after reviewing your dry eye situation, preferring to offer a biologic medication like Regener-Eyes.

Lumenis Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

We use Lumenis IPL therapy, an FDA-approved procedure that targets the root cause of most dry eye cases: meibomian gland dysfunction.

Intense pulsed light therapy works by targeting the vicious cycle of inflammation so that patients can feel long-lasting relief from their dry eye symptoms. We typically recommend four treatment sessions; many patients feel relief after their first session.

Learn more about Lumenis IPL therapy.

DERM Dry Eye Relief Mask

Dry eye relief masks are a great way to relieve mild symptoms associated with dry eye disease. The mask is applied as a moist-heat compress for short intervals over the closed eyes. Once we diagnose your dry eye, this may be suggested as a viable ongoing treatment to soothe your symptoms.

Punctal Plugs

When the tiny ducts that drain the eye’s tears (the puncta) are too large or cannot sufficiently regulate tear drainage, the use of punctal plugs may help a patient exhibiting dry eyes keep a sufficient level of tears. These plugs are either self-dissolving or completely removable, so we can easily pivot to other treatments.

TearCare Eyelid Treatment

TearCare Eyelid Treatment is a non-invasive in-office process that helps patients manage dry eye symptoms and meibomian gland dysfunction. It uses a special device that delivers warmth to the eyelid area and helps open up blocked meibomian glands. In as little as 15 minutes, you can experience relief from dry eye symptoms, while maintaining your ability to blink while undergoing treatment. Experience a more comfortable approach to dry eye with TearCare.

Let’s Find Your Solution

The good news is that modern optometry has developed several treatment strategies to help relieve patients of the symptoms of dry eye. Following a comprehensive eye exam, you and your optometrist can determine what treatments are preferred.

Say goodbye to dry eye syndrome and get in touch with our team to take the first step towards refreshed vision.

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Our Location

Wanna see what we are all about?

Located right off of NW Barry Rd in Kansas City, our office is a balance between clinical, high tech, high fashion, and your friend’s cozy living room.

Where to park?

LaFerla Family Eye Care is located right across the street from Park Hill High School in Kansas City. There is ample of parking right in front of the entrance of our establishment.