A New Option for Dry Eye Treatment: Click here for information about Rexoneye Dry eye is a chronic condition. Current treatments focus more on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the disease. A new alternative for real treatment is IPL light therapy, commonly referred to as laser treatment among the public. In our clinic, Eyelight IPL treatment is successfully applied. This treatment, which has no risks, is performed in just a few minutes and is painless. Our specialist doctors will inform you after an examination whether you are suitable for IPL treatment. Alternative Treatment for Dry Eye: **Burning, stinging, and watering of the eyes are symptoms of dry eye. If your complaints do not improve with eye drops, you have an alternative: Punctal plugs. These tiny plugs are placed at the end of the tear duct, allowing your natural tears to stay in your eye longer. This procedure is not a surgery and can be easily performed in the examination room. Although it is widely used in the United States, it is not well known in our country. Punctal plug applications are performed at Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital.** Tears keep the eyes healthy and help us feel comfortable when blinking. In some people, tear production decreases, or the quality of the produced tears deteriorates. This condition is known as Dry Eye. There are two treatment options: artificial tear drops and punctal plugs. Tears are produced in two different ways. One is continuous but in small amounts to keep the eye surface moist. The other occurs in large amounts as a response to emotional situations or eye irritation. In a healthy eye, tears are continuously produced and secreted to ensure moisture. Excess production happens when the eye is irritated by a foreign object, in cases of dry eye, or when a person cries. Tags: dry eye-İzmir-eye hospital-eye center-eye doctor-treatment What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye? Burning and stinging sensation in the eyes Itching in the eyes Watery eyes Sticky, stringy discharge (crust) inside and around the eyes Watery eyes Difficulty wearing contact lenses What Is the Tear Film Layer? With each blink, a tear film layer forms on the eye’s surface, ensuring cleanliness and smoothness. Without this layer, clear vision is not possible. This layer consists of three separate layers: Oil layer Water layer Mucus layer The oil layer is produced by glands called meibomian glands. It is the outermost layer and its purpose is to smooth the eye surface and reduce evaporation. The middle layer, which we commonly associate with tears, is made of water. Produced by the tear glands, this layer helps clear foreign objects and irritants from the eye. The innermost mucus layer, produced by the conjunctiva, spreads the water evenly over the eye surface, keeping it moist. Without the mucus layer, the water would not adhere to the surface. What Causes Dry Eye? Tear production decreases with age. Although dry eye disease can occur in both men and women at any age, it is more common in women, especially after menopause. Dry eye disease can also be associated with other conditions. For example, the presence of dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis may indicate Sjögren’s syndrome. Many medications can reduce tear secretion and cause dry eye disease. If you are taking any of the following medications, be sure to inform your eye doctor: Diuretics Beta-blockers Antihistamines Sleeping pills Pain relievers Antidepressants If these medications are necessary, and the patient cannot tolerate dry eye, artificial tears should be used, and symptoms should be managed. People with dry eye are more sensitive to the toxic effects of all eye drops, including artificial tears. Some eye drops and artificial tears contain preservatives that may cause irritation. Therefore, it is preferable for dry eye patients to use preservative-free products. How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed? Eye doctors can usually diagnose the disease through an examination. However, sometimes tests to measure tear production are needed. The Schirmer test is a diagnostic method where a special paper strip is placed under the lower eyelid to measure tear production. Another method involves using a dye (fluorescein or rose bengal) to detect dry areas on the eye surface. Dry Eye Treatment Summary: In addition to artificial tear drops, the newest treatments include IPL light therapy and Rexoneye (Resoneye) treatment. IPL treatment is completed in just a few minutes and has no risks or side effects. Rexoneye (Resoneye) is applied in 4 sessions and stimulates the tear glands to aid in dry eye treatment. The primary treatment for dry eye is artificial tear drops. If drops are insufficient, tiny plugs called punctal plugs can be very beneficial. Omega-3 supplements are also useful as additional treatment. Dry eye tests: Tear quantity is measured using the BUT, Schirmer, and PRT tests. The most important factor is the patient’s symptoms. If a patient complains of burning, a foreign body sensation, or excessive tearing, treatment is provided. If the patient has no complaints, treatment is unnecessary regardless of test results. Artificial Tear Drops: Artificial tear drops, which mimic real tears and keep the eye moist, are highly effective in treatment. They can be obtained from pharmacies and come in various types. You may need to try a few different brands to find the one that suits you best. If you have allergies to preservatives, it is recommended to choose preservative-free artificial tears. You can use these drops as needed, from a few times a day to several times an hour. Punctal Plug (Tear Duct Plug): Tears drain into the nose through a small duct (which is why our nose runs when we cry). In dry eye, tear production decreases but does not disappear entirely. By placing tiny plugs at the entrance of the tear ducts, existing tears stay in the eye longer, reducing symptoms. Punctal plugs can be temporary or permanent. Temporary plugs dissolve after a few months, while permanent ones last longer. Punctal plug use is not common in our country but is a standard treatment in the U.S.